Answer:
Mutualism: In mutualism, both organisms benefit from the relationship.
Example: The relationship between pollinators and flowers.
Description: Pollinators, such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, transfer pollen between flowers to facilitate fertilization. In return, the flowers provide the pollinators with food in the form of nectar. Without pollinators, many plant species would not be able to reproduce, leading to a loss of biodiversity.
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Commensalism: In commensalism, one organism benefits from the relationship while the other is unaffected.
Example: The relationship between barnacles and whales.
Description: Barnacles attach themselves to the skin of whales, using them as a source of transportation and protection. The whales are unaffected by the barnacles, but the barnacles benefit greatly from the relationship. This relationship does not directly shape biodiversity, but it is still an important aspect of the ecosystem.
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Parasitism: In parasitism, one organism benefits from the relationship at the expense of the other.
Example: The relationship between a tick and a host animal, such as a deer or a dog.
Description: The tick feeds on the blood of the host, potentially causing harm or disease. Though it has negative effects on the host, this relationship can affect biodiversity by controlling the population of certain species. If there were an overpopulation of deer, for example, the parasites could help control the population, allowing for a more balanced ecosystem.