-- Competition: Within the reef, different species of fish may compete for food and resources, such as space within the coral reefs or access to prey. This competition can lead to changes in population sizes and resource availability.
++ Mutualism: Some species within the Great Barrier Reef, such as cleaner shrimp and larger fish, engage in mutualistic interactions where both species benefit. The cleaner shrimp remove parasites and dead tissue from the fish's skin, while the fish provide protection for the shrimp while they are cleaning.
+- Predation: Predation occurs within the reef ecosystem, where predators such as sharks or barracudas hunt smaller fish or crustaceans for food. This interaction can help control population sizes of prey species and maintain a healthy balance within the ecosystem.
+- Parasitism: Parasitic interactions can occur within the Great Barrier Reef, where parasites feed on host organisms, weakening them and potentially leading to negative impacts on their survival. For example, parasitic isopods may attach themselves to fish within the reef, affecting their health and behavior.
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.
Use the passage to answer the question
(4 points)
This photo depicts a section of the Great Bamer 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 manne crustaceans, sea turties, and invertebrates
A)
Great Barrier Reef
1 answer
1 answer