What Are The Types Of Interactions Between Organisms?: Importance & Examples

What are Ecological Interactions?

Ecological interactions refer to the various relationships that occur among different species within an ecosystem and these interactions play a vital role in shaping ecological dynamics. These animal interactions range from mutually beneficial relationships to competitive and predatory dynamics. Types of interaction include mutualism, commensalism, competition, predation, and parasitism. This is crucial for conservation, forecasting ecological change, and generally enhancing our understanding of natural systems.

Types of Ecological Interactions

Ecological interaction is the term applied to different forms taken by interactions between an ecosystem's organisms with one another. This influences the potential survival positively or negatively, reproduction, and evolutionary fitness. As such, these interactions play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity.

Animal interactions can be categorized into the following kinds based on the nature and impact of the relationships in question.

Mutualism (Bees and Flowers, Pollinators)

In mutualism, both species benefit and lead to cooperative relationships that increase survival and reproductive success.

Commensalism (Epiphytes, Barnacles on Whales)

In commensalism, one species benefits without bothering the other. Frequently, one organism is using another for transportation or habitat.

Parasitism (Fleas, Tapeworms, Ectoparasites)

In parasitism, one benefits at the expense of the host; frequently causes harm or disease to the host.

Predation (Spiders & Insects, Lions & Zebras)

Search and consumption of one organism, the prey, by another, the predator. This affects the populations of prey.

Competition (Plants in Forests, Lions & Hyenas)

In competition, the organisms need the same resources, thereby limiting population size and changing evolutionarily.

Amensalism (Allelopathy in Plants, Fungi)

In amensalism, one organism harms or inhibits another, without any effect on the second. This comes mostly in the form of chemical secretions or physical impacts.

Factors Influencing Ecological Interactions

There are various factors that influence ecological interactions.

Environmental Conditions

Climate, habitat type, and seasonal changes—can have a huge impact on biological interactions. For example, temperature and precipitation patterns impact the availability of resources and the behaviour of organisms.

Population Density

The density of a population would impact the level of interactions that go on in competition, predation, and parasitism. High population densities are often driven by increased competition for limited resources and raised transmission rates of diseases.

Resource Availability

Availability and distribution of resources, such as food, water, and shelter, can strongly modulate the interaction outcome among organisms. Abundant resources would mean reduced competition, and shortage can increase competition tremendously.

Intraspecific vs Interspecific Competition

The basic difference between intraspecific and interspecific competition is discussed below:

Population Interactions NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)

This topic carries a significant weightage in NEET exam. Following topics are important while preparing for the exam:

• Definition and examples of each interaction

• Mutualism (Mycorrhizae and nitrogen-fixing bacteria in legumes)\

• Competition (Resource partitioning)

• Factors Influencing Interactions

Practice Questions for NEET

Q1. Amensalism is an association between two species where:

1. One species is harmed and the other is benefitted.

2. One species is harmed and the other is unaffected.

3. One species is benefitted and the other is unaffected.

4. Both species are harmed.

Correct answer: 2) One species is harmed and the other is unaffected.

Explanation:

An ecological relationship known as amensalism occurs when one species suffers harm while the other species is unscathed. This interaction can take many different forms, but it is frequently observed when one species physically prevents another from growing or surviving, or when one creature creates a material that is toxic to another.

The interaction between some plants and their environment is a well-known illustration of amensalism. Allelopathic compounds, for example, are released into the soil by certain plants and prevent the growth of competing plants in the vicinity. In this instance, the chemicals damage the rival plants but do not affect the plant that produces them.

Hence, the correct answer is an option (2) one species is harmed and the other is unaffected.

Q2. Epiphytes that are growing on a mango branch are an example of which of the following?

1. Amensalism

2. Commensalism

3. Mutualism

4. Predation

Correct answer: 2) Commensalism

Explanation:

Epiphytes are plants that grow on the surface of other plants, such as mango trees, for physical support. They do not enter into the host tissues or withdraw water and nutrients from the host plant. They obtain moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, or debris around them. Such a relationship is an example of commensalism, a symbiotic relationship where one organism is affected, but the other one is not.

Hence, the correct answer is option 2) Commensalism.

Q3. Who stands to gain from the ungulates?

1. Sponges

2. Virus

3. Bacteria

4. Grass

Correct answer: 3) Bacteria

Explanation:

Bacteria found in ungulate intestines help them. Because many of them are herbivores, gut bacteria aid in cellulose breakdown. The majority of gut microorganisms are anaerobic.

Several even-toed ungulates have symbiotic relationships with microbes. The mammals profit from this mutually advantageous connection because it allows them to convert cellulose into a type of glucose that they can consume, as well as other digestive advantages, while the microbes gain from food and shelter.

Ungulates are members of the group Ungulata, which consists mostly of big animals with hooves. Horses, rhinoceroses, and tapirs are examples of odd-toed ungulates, while cattle, pigs, giraffes, camels, sheep, deer, and hippopotamuses are examples of even-toed ungulates.

Sponges are a fundamental animal category and the diploblastic sister of the phylum Porifera. These are multicellular creatures with pores and channels that let water move through their bodies, which are made of jelly-like mesohyl sandwiched between two thin layers of cells.

Hence the correct answer is Option (3) Bacteria.

Also Read:

• MCQs on Population Interaction

• Difference between Mutualism and Commensalism

• Population Growth