Interaction Between Biotic Components

Interaction Between Organisms

Long-lasting interactions Temporary interactions

Saprophytism Symbiosis

Competition

Prey-predator

Commensalism

Mutualism

Parasitism

Commensali Relationship between 2 species that sm benefits one species but either benefits
nor harms the other species. Commensal
2 types

Host

Epiphytes
Plants

Epizoics
Animals

 Green plants.

Epiphyte

Doesnt drive nutrition from its host. (photosynthesise) Faces difficulties in getting water & minerals. Adaptation: has a swollen stem at its base to store water. Has special roots (aerial roots) to absorb moisture. Roots are coated with spongy layer (velamen) which prevents roots tissue from drying out. Has sunken stoma to reduce water loss.
Pigeon orchid Birds nest fern Staghon fern

Swollen stem Aerial roots

Others adaptations:

Thick waxy cuticle covers the epidermis of the fronds (the leaves of a fern)

Adjacent fronds overlap to form a nest Collects fallen leaves, pieces of tree bark, particles from air, bird dropping, rain water

Ants make their nest among the roots to increase the organic content of this nest from decaying of substances in the nest

Epizoics
An animal (commensal) attached to another animal (host). Epizoics attach themselves to the bodies of their hosts for free transport, protection and feed leftover from their hosts meals. The host neither suffer loss nor benefit from the epizoics.

Crab

Cyclops (kutu air)

protozoa

shark

Competition:
Interaction between 2 organisms living together in a habitat and competing for limited recourses. Animal usually compete for food, shelter and breeding mates, while plants compete for space, light, nutrients and water. 2 types:

Interspecific competition.
Intraspecific competition.

Mutualism
Relationship between two organism which both benefit. Lichen (kulampair) Combination of a green alga and a fungus. The green alga cells get shelter, water, mineral salts from fungus.

The fungus gets food and oxygen from alga cells which carry on photosynthesis.

Rhizobium in the nodules of leguminous plants

Rhizobium are nitrogen-fixing bacteria living in nodules of leguminous plant (kekacang). Its convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonium compounds that are used by plants.

In return, the bacteria get shelter and food from the plants.

Microorganisms (protozoa & bacteria) and herbivores There are protozoa & bacteria living in the alimentary canal of herbivore, produce the enzyme cellulase to digest the cellulose of plant material taken by host.
A large part of the sugar produced is absorbed by the host herbivore. The balance is used by the microorganisms.

Sea anemone (buran laut)

Sea anemone live on the top of the shell of marine snail. Shell (host) Hermit crab (umang-umang)

The hermit crab gets protection from the tentacles of the sea anemone.

Sea anemone gets transported and sources of food from hermit crab

 Relationship between two organisms where the parasite benefits but the host is harmed.
2 types: Endoparasites Ectoparasites

Endoparasite Tapeworms, sflukes, plasmodium (caused malaria).

Adaptation:

no nervous systems and sense organ.

no digestive tracts, they absorb food through the whole body surface.

have protective cuticle & anti-enzymes to prevent being digested by hosts enzymes, acids or alkalis.
have flattened shape to cling on to the host.

carrying out anaerobic respiration.

great reproductive system.

Ectoparasites
Animal ectoparasites on plant hosts
Have hook to attach themselves on their hosts Have sharp mouth parts for hooking, sucking or biting.

Animal Ectoparasites

Plant Ectoparasites
Have no leaves, stems or roots.
Uses its strands of fungus like tissue to draw nutrients from host vine.

Prey-Predator Relationship
The relationship exists when a weaker animal (the _________) is hunted and eaten by another stronger animal (the __________).
This relationship is important to keep different animal populations of an ecosystem in balance.

Prey or Predator?

rats
owls Prey increase

The dynamic equilibrium of the preys and predators population

Predator decrease
Prey decrease

Predator increase

Saprophytism
Animals that feed on dead organic matter that has been digested.
Saprophytes produce enzymes to digest and decompose the dead complex organic matter.

Symbiosis
Means living together.

Permanent and close relationship between 2 or more different species. There are 3 categories:
Commensalism Parasitism Mutualism