1. Competition (-,-): Two species of fish may compete for the same food source, such as algae or plankton, within the coral reef ecosystem. This competition can lead to a decrease in resources for both species, impacting their survival and reproduction rates.
2. Mutualism (+,+): Cleaner shrimp and fish form a mutualistic relationship in which the shrimp clean the fish by removing parasites and dead skin from their bodies. In return, the fish protects the shrimp from predators and provides them with food scraps. Both species benefit from this interaction.
3. Predation (+,-): A sea turtle preys on jellyfish within the reef ecosystem. The jellyfish population is reduced due to predation, benefiting other species that are indirectly impacted by the presence of jellyfish.
4. Parasitism (+,-): Anemonefish live among the tentacles of sea anemones, which provide them with protection from predators. In return, the anemonefish excrete waste that provides nutrients to the sea anemones. However, the relationship is considered parasitic as the anemonefish benefit at the expense of the sea anemones, which are harmed by hosting the fish within their tentacles.
Great Barrier Reef:
This photo depicts a section of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, which is the world's largest coral reef system and one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. The reef is home to at least 30 species of marine mammals and 1,500 fish species, as well as various marine crustaceans, sea turtles, and invertebrates.
Use the passage to answer the question.
In a short paragraph, list and describe four different interspecific interactions that could occur in this ecosystem. Your answer should include one (-,-), one (+,+), and two different (+,-) interactions.
1 answer
1 answer