Topic

Ocean Pollution,
Introduction
“Hook” (one-two sentences where you excite the reader to make them want to keep reading):

Did you know that little fish called wrasses willingly climb into larger creatures’ mouths to clean their teeth? What about the fact that tiny algae are an important part of keeping coral reefs colorful and alive?

Thesis statement/Main idea (one sentence where you tell the reader the main idea/topic of your paper):
Mutualistic symbiotic relationships help many ocean species survive and thrive.

Leading sentence(s) into Body Paragraphs (explain what will be covered in your body paragraphs, and transition into the first body paragraph):
Examples of these types of relationships in the ocean will be highlighted throughout this paper. To introduce this concept, the definition of symbiotic relationships will be explained in the next paragraph.

Body Paragraph #1

Heading (Title of the Paragraph): What Are Symbiotic Relationships?

A. First major point (topic sentence): Symbiotic relationships come in three primary forms, commensalism, parasitism, and mutualism.

Supporting detail idea 1: Commensalism is a relationship where one member benefits, while the other is not affected at all. This can be when one creature benefits from something like food or protection, while the other gets nothing in return.

Supporting detail idea 2: Parasitism is when one organism benefits while the other organism is harmed.

Supporting detail idea 3: Mutualism is defined as when “both members of the association are benefited by their living together.” In these relationships, the organisms both benefit, often in different ways.

Supporting detail idea 4: Although all three types of symbiotic relationships are interesting, mutualism (specifically in ocean creatures), will be explored with several examples in the following sections.

Body Paragraph #2

Heading (Title of the Paragraph): Symbiosis in the Ocean

B. Second major point (topic sentence): Mutualism can be seen all across the ocean.

Supporting detail idea 1: For example, the moray eel has its teeth cleaned by tiny fish called cleaner wrasses. The wrasses get a meal from the leftover food in the eel’s mouth, and the eels get a free teeth cleaning (and do not eat the wrasses as they are working)!

Supporting detail idea 2: Another example is the yellow watchman goby, which helps the blind pistol shrimp see. This is achieved through a process where “the shrimp and goby live together in a burrow. The shrimp spends its time digging out the burrow and keeping it clear. While the shrimp digs, the goby keeps watch for predators. The shrimp always keeps one of its feelers on the goby's tail. If the goby sees danger, it turns to duck into the safety of the burrow. The shrimp feels the flick of the fish's tail and ducks in, too.” Talk about an awesome friendship!

Supporting detail idea 3: Another interesting mutualistic symbiotic relationship is with microorganisms like bacteria and protozoa. They help break down food for many ocean and land creatures, and get a free meal out of it!

Supporting detail idea 4: As you can see, there are many types of mutualistic symbiotic relationships in the ocean. Yet, the question that remains is what happens when these relationships are threatened.

Body Paragraph #3 (Optional- Delete this Section if Not Using)

Heading (Title of the Paragraph): Symbiosis in Danger- Algae and Coral

C. Third major point (topic sentence): When one organism in a mutualistic symbiotic relationship is negatively affected, both organisms suffer. This can be seen in the relationship between algae and coral.

Supporting detail idea 1: Algae and coral have a mutualistic symbiotic relationship where the coral will store algae in their tissues, and in return, the algae receives nutrients from the coral.

Supporting detail idea 2: Due to the rising temperature of the ocean, coral often will get rid of their algae. This displaces the algae and can lead to the ultimate death of the coral.

Supporting detail idea 3: The coral have an interesting response to this, and to “produce a glowing display.” Researchers suggest that this display could be an effort for the coral to try to attract their lost algae to save themselves.

Supporting detail idea 4: This example shows that mutualistic symbiotic relationships are often necessary for the survival of both organisms.

Conclusion

Reworded thesis/main idea (one or two sentences- reword your thesis statement/main idea from your introduction):
The survival of many organisms rely on mutualistic symbiotic relationships.

Summary of main points (two or more sentences that restate what you discussed in your body paragraphs): From eels, to piston shrimp, to tiny algae, mutualistic symbiotic relationships can be found in all shapes and sizes in the ocean. From the Pacific to the Atlantic, ocean creatures are relying on each other as a part of these aquatic teams.

Closing statement (one sentence that wraps up your paper) : The next time you visit the ocean on vacation, put your goggles on and take a look in the water; you might see a symbiotic relationship right at your feet!

1 answer

Topic: Ocean Pollution

Introduction

“Hook”: Did you know that little fish called wrasses willingly climb into larger creatures’ mouths to clean their teeth? What about the fact that tiny algae are an important part of keeping coral reefs colorful and alive?

Thesis statement/Main idea: While mutualistic symbiotic relationships help many ocean species survive and thrive, ocean pollution is increasingly threatening these vital interactions.

Leading sentence(s) into Body Paragraphs: This paper will discuss how pollution disrupts these essential relationships, beginning with an examination of symbiotic relationships in the ocean.


Body Paragraph #1

Heading: What Are Symbiotic Relationships?

A. First major point (topic sentence): Symbiotic relationships come in three primary forms: commensalism, parasitism, and mutualism.

  • Supporting detail idea 1: Commensalism is a relationship where one member benefits while the other is not affected at all, such as when a barnacle attaches to a whale, gaining mobility without harming the whale.

  • Supporting detail idea 2: Parasitism occurs when one organism benefits at the expense of another, like when a tapeworm lives in a fish’s intestines, deriving nutrients while negatively impacting its host.

  • Supporting detail idea 3: Mutualism is defined as a relationship in which both members benefit from their association, commonly seen in ocean ecosystems, like clownfish and anemones, where both species gain from each other’s presence.

  • Supporting detail idea 4: Although all three types of symbiotic relationships are intriguing, mutualism (specifically in ocean creatures) will be explored further, particularly in the context of how pollution is threatening these crucial partnerships.


Body Paragraph #2

Heading: Symbiosis in the Ocean

B. Second major point (topic sentence): Mutualism can be observed throughout the ocean.

  • Supporting detail idea 1: For example, cleaner wrasses remove parasites and decaying tissue from moray eels, benefiting from the food while providing a vital service to the eel.

  • Supporting detail idea 2: The yellow watchman goby and the pistol shrimp exemplify an amazing partnership; the shrimp digs a burrow, while the goby keeps watch for predators, illustrating cooperation for mutual safety.

  • Supporting detail idea 3: Microorganisms such as bacteria and protozoa engage in mutualistic relationships by assisting many ocean creatures in digesting food, receiving sustenance in return, demonstrating the intricate balance of marine ecosystems.

  • Supporting detail idea 4: With so many forms of mutualistic symbiotic relationships in the ocean, it becomes crucial to ask: what happens when these relationships are hindered?


Body Paragraph #3

Heading: The Impact of Ocean Pollution on Symbiotic Relationships

C. Third major point (topic sentence): When pollution disrupts a mutualistic symbiotic relationship, both organisms can suffer significantly.

  • Supporting detail idea 1: The relationship between algae and coral relies on clear waters; healthy algae provide essential nutrients to coral, while coral shelters the algae, but pollutants can harm both.

  • Supporting detail idea 2: Ocean pollution, including rising temperatures and chemical runoff, leads to coral bleaching, where corals expel their algae, ultimately destabilizing both partners.

  • Supporting detail idea 3: Coral bleaching, exacerbated by pollution, forces corals to release the algae they rely on. Without it, corals lose their vibrant colors and, ultimately, their life.

  • Supporting detail idea 4: This situation illustrates that the survival of organisms in mutualistic symbiosis is endangered when their environment is compromised, showcasing the broader implications of ocean pollution.


Conclusion

Reworded thesis/main idea: The survival of many organisms in the ocean is linked to mutualistic symbiotic relationships, which are at risk from pollution.

Summary of main points: From cleaner wrasses to the partnerships between gobies and shrimp, mutualistic relationships provide crucial benefits to marine life. However, as pollution threatens these bonds, it jeopardizes the delicate balance needed for survival in ocean ecosystems.

Closing statement: So, the next time you visit the ocean on vacation, remember to look deeper than the waves; the health of the ocean depends on these remarkable relationships and our ability to protect them!

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