Relationships between organisms in this ecosystem
Mutualism-
Definition: The relationship between two organisms where both creatures benefit.
Example at Home Bush mangroves: Lichen -A lichen is a synthesised organism that emerges from algae living amid fungus in a mutually beneficial relationship. The algae provides the fungi with food through the process of photosynthesis and in return receives water and minerals as well as shelter which is a necessity for it to grow.
Allelopathy-
Definition: The production by a plant of chemicals that are released into the soil to assist competition with other plants.
Example at Home Bush mangroves: Casuarina - Casuarina drop their needles and the leaf litter surrounding the base of the tree inhibiting the growth of competing organisms because the soil is contaminated with the toxins found in the roots, stems, leaves, fruits, or seeds of the casuarina plant.
Commensalism-
Definition: The relationship between organisms that live in close association with only one species receiving the benefit, whilst the other species is not harmed.
Example at Home Bush mangroves: Algae on pneumatophores- Algae grows on pneumatophores assisting their growth and the algae benefits as it is able to grow on a stable surface and consequently wont be washed away during tidal inundation, Algae lives as epiphytes on the pneumatophores.
Parasitism-
Definition: The relationship where one organism obtains nutrients from another (host) by ling on or within it and without providing any benefits to the host.
Example at Home Bush mangroves: Mosquitos- Mosquitos withdraw blood from birds or small mammals taking the nutrients from the hosts blood to provide to their young. The bite of a mosquito commonly causes irritation to the host and can in some cases spread diseases. These parasites are also referred to as pathogens.
Definition: The relationship between two organisms where both creatures benefit.
Example at Home Bush mangroves: Lichen -A lichen is a synthesised organism that emerges from algae living amid fungus in a mutually beneficial relationship. The algae provides the fungi with food through the process of photosynthesis and in return receives water and minerals as well as shelter which is a necessity for it to grow.
Allelopathy-
Definition: The production by a plant of chemicals that are released into the soil to assist competition with other plants.
Example at Home Bush mangroves: Casuarina - Casuarina drop their needles and the leaf litter surrounding the base of the tree inhibiting the growth of competing organisms because the soil is contaminated with the toxins found in the roots, stems, leaves, fruits, or seeds of the casuarina plant.
Commensalism-
Definition: The relationship between organisms that live in close association with only one species receiving the benefit, whilst the other species is not harmed.
Example at Home Bush mangroves: Algae on pneumatophores- Algae grows on pneumatophores assisting their growth and the algae benefits as it is able to grow on a stable surface and consequently wont be washed away during tidal inundation, Algae lives as epiphytes on the pneumatophores.
Parasitism-
Definition: The relationship where one organism obtains nutrients from another (host) by ling on or within it and without providing any benefits to the host.
Example at Home Bush mangroves: Mosquitos- Mosquitos withdraw blood from birds or small mammals taking the nutrients from the hosts blood to provide to their young. The bite of a mosquito commonly causes irritation to the host and can in some cases spread diseases. These parasites are also referred to as pathogens.