Parasitism
Elephants and Ticks
Parasitism means that one organism benefits from the relationship, while one organism suffers. In some cases, this results in one organism's death. An example of parasitism in African grasslands is a tick on an elephant. The tick benefits from the relationship because it lives on the elephant and sucks out it's blood for nutrients. The elephant is harmed it is losing blood, causing irritation. There is also a chance that the elephant could get a disease from the tick bites.
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MutualismRhinoceros and OxpeckersMutualism is a mutual symbiotic relationship in which both organisms benefit.
Rhinoceroses and Oxpeckers are both part of a mutual symbiotic relationship. Both the Rhino and the Oxpecker mutually benefit from their relationship. The Oxpecker removes ticks, flies, and larvae. By removing the parasitism, the Oxpecker gets to eat, and the Rhino no longer has to worry about and parasites. The Oxpecker will also warn the Rhino if there are any threats near by. It does so by making loud chirping and hissing noises to aware the Rhinoceros. |
Commensalism
Cattle and Cattle Egrets
Commensalism means that one organism benefits from the relationship, but the other organism is not affected at all. An example of a commensalism relationship in African grasslands are cattle and cattle egrets. The movement of cattle walking through the grass disturbs the insects that live on the ground. The cattle egret (a type of bird) follows the cattle around and waits for the insects to move, making them an easy lunch. The cattle are not affected because the birds are not in the way, and the cattle egrets benefit because they are getting easy food.
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