Which 3 terms describe animal partnerships classified as symbiotic?

A lifelong relationship between organisms is called a symbiotic relationship. There are three different types of symbiotic relationships: mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.

Where both organisms benefit, mutualism exists. One example is with the Egyptian plover also known as the crocodile bird and the crocodile itself. In the tropical regions of Africa, the crocodile lies with its mouth open. The plover flies into its mouth and feeds on its decaying meat stuck in the crocodile’s teeth. The crocodile does not eat the plover. The plover eats a meal and the crocodile gets his teeth cleaned.

Commensalism occurs when only one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed. Remora fish are very bony and have a dorsal (back) fin that acts like a suction cup. The fish attaches itself to whales, sharks and rays and eat the scraps their host leave behind. The remora fish get a meal, while its host gets nothing. Selfish but neither organisms gets hurt.

Finally, parasitism occurs when one organism gains and the other organism suffers. An example is the deer tick which is a parasite. It attaches itself to a warm-blooded animal and feeds on its blood. Ticks need blood at every stage of their life cycle. They also carry a Lyme disease, an illness that can cause joint damage, heart complications, and kidney problems. The tick benefits from eating the animal’s blood and unfortunately, the animal suffers from the loss of blood and nutrients and may get sick.