GOOD BUDDI

ESFriendships

Exploring Symbiosis

Activity created by Mrs. McAven and adapted from Project Wild

BACKGROUND REVIEW

Elements of any ecological system live in an intricate web of interdependence. When two species of organisms live in close association with each other, their relationship is called “symbiotic”. In a symbiotic relationship, at least one of the organisms directly benefits from its close association with the other organism. There are three major forms of symbiotic relationships: commensalism, mutualism and parasitism.

PROCEDURES You will be given the name of an animal you will

be representing.

Write down the name of your organism and hold onto your animal card until the teacher collects it.

Now, you must get creative! You will be making a “Thanksgiving” note for your partner and that special relationship you share.

You will be presenting your card so do a nice job.

THE THANKSGIVING NOTE MUST INCLUDE:

Your animal name. (From)

Your partners animal name. (To)

The type of relationship you share.

(Commensalism, Mutualism, Parasitism)

*Note: not all of these will be positive relationships for both

individuals.

Explain how the relationship has effected your

life.

(Be specific and use at least 5 good details)

THANKSGIVING NOTE RUBRIC

Include: Points

Your animal name. (From) 1

Your partners animal name. (To) 1

The type of relationship you share. 1

(Commensalism, Mutualism, Parasitism)

How the relationship has effected your life.

5

Neatness and quality of note 2

Presentation quality (voice level & creativity) 5

TOTAL 15

TEACHER PRINTOUTS

Goby Fish/Shrimp Mutualism The shrimp digs a burrow into the sand and both organisms live there. Because the shrimp is almost blind, the goby fish will touch the shrimp when a predator is near.  

Sea Lamprey/ Lake Trout Parasitism The lamprey uses its suction cup-like mouth to attach itself to the skin of a fish

and bites through the skin. Secretions in the lamprey's mouth prevent the trout's

blood from clotting. Victims typically die from excessive blood loss or infection. 

GOBY FISH

SHRIMP

SEA LAMPREY

LAKE TROUT