Interactions between Organisms
In every ecosystem there are different interactions between organisms some of which include: competition, predation and symbiosis (mutualism, commensalism and parasitism.) These interactions are essential for all organisms survival in a certain environment.
Mutualism
The Edith’s Checkerspot and the Eglantine are examples of mutualism. Mutualism is when two organisms benefit from their interaction. This example is mutualism because the butterfly benefits by getting the nectar from the flower, which is used as food. The butterfly is also beneffited by using the flower as a shelter during the winter. The flowers benefit from the butterfly because when the butterfly eats the nectar, it gets caught on their feet which helps the flowers reproduce.
Parasitism
The relationship between the tapeworm and Coyote is considered parasitism. Parasitism is when one organism benefits from the interaction with another organism while the other is being harmed. The tapeworm eats part of the brain of the Coyote for food, while the Coyote gets harmed, losing control of his body and then dies.
Predation:
Ringtail-Pika
Ringtail hunts Pika by using their claws that are on their feet to climb on to hard surfaces. Also Ringtail Cats have long ears that helps them hear where the preys are located so that the Ringtail Cat can silently catch their food like the pila without making any sound.
Commensalism
The relationship between the Douglas Squirrel and the Oaks and Maple Trees is considered commensalism. Commensalism is when one organism benefits from an interaction with another organism, while the other organism doesn’t mind. In this example, the Douglas squirrel gets shelter and protection from the tree to be able to survive. However, the tree does not mind about this as it is not being harmed by the squirrel or beneffited. .
Competition
Predation:
E. Checkerspot-Jackrabbit
Ringtail Cat and Black Tailed Jackrabbit competes since they also hunt the same and similar animals. Ringtail Cats uses their claws to climb on heavy ground and they have a really good hearing. Also, Black Tailed Jackrabbit can run fast with their strong hind and can hear very well as well. Given that they have the same methods and hunt the same animals it creates competition between the two of them.
Black Tailed Jackrabbit hunt Edith’s Checkerspot with their advantage of hearing. Since their ears are long they can locate new prey that are near them. Also Black Tailed Jackrabbit have powerful hinds that helps them move fast to get their prey without the time for the preys to start running.