Interactions among species, including competition, predation, mutualism, and succession.
Test your knowledge with these top questions!
Some orchids lure male bees by matching the look and scent of what?
A fooled male may try to mate with the flower and leave with pollen attached to its body.
Restoring wildflower meadows helps bees perform which job for plants?
A mix of flowers with different blooming times gives bees food for more of the year.
The word "commensalism" comes from a Latin phrase meaning to share what?
A commensal can gain a ride or shelter as well as food, provided the other species is neither helped nor harmed.
Why do oyster-restoration projects spread old shells on the seabed?
An oyster larva swims before settling on a hard surface, where the oyster usually stays for life.
Pistol shrimps often share burrows with which fish, which keep watch for predators?
The shrimp keeps an antenna on the goby and retreats when the fish flicks its tail to signal danger.
What benefit defines phoresy between mites and beetles?
The mites leave the beetle after reaching suitable habitat, so the beetle is a temporary carrier.
Clownfish live in a protective partnership with which sea animals?
A special mucus coat helps clownfish avoid the anemone's sting, allowing them to shelter among its tentacles.
An alligator snapping turtle's tongue has a lure that imitates which animal?
The turtle waits with its mouth open, moving the lure to draw fish close enough for a quick bite.
Ants protect aphids in return for which sweet liquid?
Honeydew is sugary waste from aphids, so ants gain food while keeping predators away from their tiny partners.
What happens to much of the sand and silt carried into a beaver pond?
The trapped sediment can help build a meadow if the pond later drains and plants take root.