ParasitismSymbiotic relationship between two organisms in which one species of animal benefits from the other while the other species of animal is harmed.
The brown headed cowbird uses other birds' nests to its advantage. It lays its eggs in there nest while it is gone and when the other bird gets back has to take care of its own eggs and the brown headed cowbird's eggs letting it pass down its genes with ease. |
CommensalismSymbiotic relationship when one organism benefits but the other organism isn't affected in any way.
As cattle walk among the grass they disturb insects. Cattle egrets are birds that feed off those insects and sit on the cows back. This does nothing to the cattle but helps feed the egret. |
MutualismA symbiotic relationship where both organisms of different species receive the benefits of the relationships.
Herbivores and bacteria in there stomach are an example. The bacteria thrives in the stomach of the herbivore and the herbivore is able to digest the grass. |