Parasitism and Mutualism: the relationship between organisms
PARASITISM: They are organisms that live on/in humans(hosts). ONLY the parasite
benefits in this relationship.
Woodlice= Sharp mouthparts that can pierce skin and suck blood, Sharp claws to grip on to
hair/skin, Eggs are glued to hairs to prevent them falling off.
Tapeworm= Hooks and suckers to attach firmly to the host’s intestine wall, Segments
contain male and female sex organs so fertilisation can occur, Flattened body allows
absorption of nutrients across surface without digestive system.
Elephantiasis is caused by roundworms, they use humans as a host organism, they benefit
by absorbing nutrients from the human bodily fluids, the host is harmed because the flow of
fluids in the body is blocked- potentially becoming a problem.
MUTUALISM: Some organisms that live together both benefit from the relationship.
These are said to be mutualistic.
1. Another name for clown fish is anemone fish
2. The clownfish live in the tentacles of the sea anemone.
3. They are able to live there because they are immune to the sting
4. This serves the clown fish because they can hide from predators
5. The sea anemone receives nutrients from the clownfish hiding and their waste.
In parasitism, a parasite lives in a host and causes harm to it. Only the parasite is benefitted.
In a mutualistic relationship, both organisms are able to benefit from the relationship.
PARASITISM: They are organisms that live on/in humans(hosts). ONLY the parasite
benefits in this relationship.
Woodlice= Sharp mouthparts that can pierce skin and suck blood, Sharp claws to grip on to
hair/skin, Eggs are glued to hairs to prevent them falling off.
Tapeworm= Hooks and suckers to attach firmly to the host’s intestine wall, Segments
contain male and female sex organs so fertilisation can occur, Flattened body allows
absorption of nutrients across surface without digestive system.
Elephantiasis is caused by roundworms, they use humans as a host organism, they benefit
by absorbing nutrients from the human bodily fluids, the host is harmed because the flow of
fluids in the body is blocked- potentially becoming a problem.
MUTUALISM: Some organisms that live together both benefit from the relationship.
These are said to be mutualistic.
1. Another name for clown fish is anemone fish
2. The clownfish live in the tentacles of the sea anemone.
3. They are able to live there because they are immune to the sting
4. This serves the clown fish because they can hide from predators
5. The sea anemone receives nutrients from the clownfish hiding and their waste.
In parasitism, a parasite lives in a host and causes harm to it. Only the parasite is benefitted.
In a mutualistic relationship, both organisms are able to benefit from the relationship.
