SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIPS IN THE TEMPERATE RAINFOREST
MUTUALISM
Mutualism occurs when two organisms of different species have a relationship where each organism benefits the other.
An example of mutualism found in the temperate rainforest is the flower and the bee. The bee pollinates the flower, and in return, the flower feeds the bee.
An example of mutualism found in the temperate rainforest is the flower and the bee. The bee pollinates the flower, and in return, the flower feeds the bee.
PARASITISM
Parasitism is a relationship between two organisms of different species where one organism benefits from the other organism, which is more or less harmed as a result.
In the temperate rainforest, the Pelecinid wasp acts as a parasite to the June beetles. The wasps will lay their eggs in/on the beetle grubs and when the wasp eggs hatch, they will feed on the grubs until they are ready to pupate. The parasitic wasp larvae will end up killing their hosts, the beetles, but still continue to feed off of the dead tissue.
In the temperate rainforest, the Pelecinid wasp acts as a parasite to the June beetles. The wasps will lay their eggs in/on the beetle grubs and when the wasp eggs hatch, they will feed on the grubs until they are ready to pupate. The parasitic wasp larvae will end up killing their hosts, the beetles, but still continue to feed off of the dead tissue.
COMMENSALISM
Commensalism is a relationship between two organisms where one organism benefits and the other is neither harmed nor helped.
An example of this is an opossum sheltering with a woodchuck for warmth and protection. The woodchuck remains neutral, but the opossum gains from it.
An example of this is an opossum sheltering with a woodchuck for warmth and protection. The woodchuck remains neutral, but the opossum gains from it.
PREDATOR-PREY
Predation is an interaction between two organisms where one organism acts as a predator and the other acts as prey. The predator will kill and generally eat their prey.
In the temperate rainforest, the puma is at the top of the food chain and has very few threats. It only eats meat, so it hunts its food. Pumas eat deer, raccoons, squirrels, foxes, rabbits, and skunks. All of these animals are examples of the puma's prey.
In the temperate rainforest, the puma is at the top of the food chain and has very few threats. It only eats meat, so it hunts its food. Pumas eat deer, raccoons, squirrels, foxes, rabbits, and skunks. All of these animals are examples of the puma's prey.
COMPETITION
In any environment, resources required to survive will be limited. So, organisms will compete with each other to obtain these resources.
In the temperate rainforest, different species of trees compete with each other for sunlight.
In the temperate rainforest, different species of trees compete with each other for sunlight.
As shown in the diagram, certain species that are unable to obtain sunlight will not survive for too long. The Chestnut Oak tree appears to be the most adapted to its environment, as it can obtain sunlight and live longer than the rest of the trees. The Witch Hazel tree, on the other hand, is unable to access sunlight, so it is not able to survive for a long time.