What symbiotic relationships are seen in ecosystems?

Symbiosis is the physical interaction between organisms. This includes relationships of predation, commensalism, parasitism, and mutualism.

Predation/Competition: when a species feed on another/when a species compete with another species for the same resources. E.g., a lion preying on gazelle/a lion competing with hyenas for food.

Commensalism: when one species gains benefits from the interaction, but not the other. E.g., a remora riding a shark. The remora gets food, while the shark does not see the remora as prey.

Parasitism: where one species (parasite) gain benefits at the expense of the other (host). E.g., a tapeworm living inside a human. The tapeworm gets food, while humans suffer from illnesses and other side effects.

Mutualism: organisms of different species that gain benefits from their interactions. E.g., a clownfish gains protection from the anemones they live in, and the anemone is given food and leftovers from the clownfish. This may be in the form of algae on their scales.

Symbiotic relationships observed in ecosystems include mutualism, where both species benefit; commensalism, where one species benefits while the other is unaffected; and parasitism, where one species benefits at the expense of the other.