9. Use the evidence to identify the interactions between species. Select the correct interaction for each of the 4 examples.

Question

Wolf and Bear

The reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone Park has placed these two predators in conflict. Wolves hunt in packs feeding on elk, bison, moose and deer. Grizzly Bears are omnivores feeding on cutworm moths, pine nuts, trout, elk and bison. Bears and wolves will often fight over the carcass of elk and bison that were generally killed by wolves. These fights rarely end in death for either species. Bears and wolves will also defend their young against individuals from another species.

Orchid and Tree

The orchid, a pinkish-purple flower, has a unique relationship with the plants on which it grows. Since it does not grow a root system in the soil, the popcorn orchid relies on trees for structure and support instead of the ground. As water falls and trickles over the bark on the branches of the trees, the popcorn orchid absorbs that water. The tree doesn't appear to receive anything from the orchid, but it simply allows the orchid to live there.

Growing orchids in trees | News, Sports, Jobs - Cape Coral BreezeEel and Wrasse

A giant moray eel is being cleaned by a bluestreak cleaner wrasse, a type of small fish. The wrasse eats parasites and dead tissue off the skin and teeth of the eel. The eel recognizes the smaller wrasse and will position its body for optimum cleaning. Even though the giant moray eel is usually a predator of smaller fish, the eel will not eat the wrasse.
Whale and Krill

Humpback whales are lunge feeders, filtering thousands of tiny organisms called krill from seawater and swallowing them alive. Krill are found in swarms which allow them to confuse some of their predators and escape, but a single whale can still eat many thousands of krill in one day.

BBC One - Big Blue Live - Humpback whale

Answer 1

Here are the interactions identified for each of the four examples:

1. Wolf and Bear: The interaction is Interspecific Competition. Both wolves and bears compete for the same food resources (elk and bison carcasses), which leads to conflicts between the two species.

2. Orchid and Tree: The interaction is Commensalism. The orchid relies on the tree for support and access to water but does not provide any benefit or detriment to the tree. The tree is not harmed nor helped by the presence of the orchid.

3. Eel and Wrasse: The interaction is Mutualism. The wrasse cleans the eel by eating parasites and dead tissue, which benefits the eel. In return, the wrasse is not eaten by the eel, creating a mutually beneficial relationship.

4. Whale and Krill: The interaction is Predation. The humpback whale feeds on krill, which it captures and consumes, establishing a predator-prey relationship.

These classifications help clarify the nature of interactions in ecological communities.