Science Common Sense

1175 - What are the relationships between organisms in an ecosystem?

In an ecosystem, organisms have different relationships with each other. Here are the main ones:

1. Predator and Prey: One organism (the predator) eats another organism (the prey) to survive. Example: Lion (predator) and zebra (prey).
2. Producer and Consumer: Organisms that make food (like plants) are called producers. Those that eat the producers are called consumers. Example: Plants (producers) and deer (consumers).
3. Symbiotic Relationships:
4. Mutualism: Both organisms help each other. Example: Bees (help pollinate flowers) and flowers (give bees nectar).
5. Commensalism: One organism benefits, the other is neutral. Example: Birds living in trees (benefit) and trees (no effect).
6. Parasitism: One organism benefits, the other is harmed. Example: Fleas (benefit) living on dogs (harm).
7. Decomposers: Organisms that break down dead plants and animals to recycle nutrients. Example: Earthworms and fungi.

These relationships help keep the ecosystem balanced and healthy.