Final answer:
Interdependence in biology describes the mutual reliance between organisms, such as the relationship between bees and flowering plants. Symbiosis and competition represent different types of interactions, where symbiosis can be beneficial or harmful, while competition involves competing for limited resources like food, water, and mates. These concepts illustrate the interconnected nature of ecosystems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Interdependence in biology refers to the way in which living organisms rely on one another for survival, nutrients, and other resources. An action related to interdependence could be, for example, when one species pollinates the plants of another, supporting the life cycle of both the pollinator and the plant. This mutual reliance is evident in the relationship between bees and flowering plants, where bees depend on flowers for nectar while flowering plants depend on bees for pollination.
An example of how we depend on other living things is through our reliance on plants for oxygen production. Through photosynthesis, plants release oxygen into the atmosphere, which we then breathe in — highlighting our dependence on plants for a fundamental aspect of our survival. This biological relationship showcases the interconnected nature of all living systems.
When comparing symbiosis and competition, these are two different types of interactions between species within an ecosystem. Symbiosis refers to a close and long-term biological interaction between two different biological organisms, which may be mutualistic, commensal, or parasitic, leading to various degrees of benefit or harm. In contrast, competition occurs when two or more species or individuals vie for the same limited resources, such as food, living space, or mates. This can lead to one organism outcompeting another, potentially reducing the growth, reproduction, or even survival of the less successful competitor.
Organisms compete for a variety of resources vital to their survival. Three examples of resources organisms may compete for include food, water, and mating opportunities. These resources are critical for the sustenance and reproductive success of organisms and can often lead to interspecific competition — where different species are in pursuit of the same limiting resources.