Types of Relationships
There are many different types of symbiotic relationships or relationships between animals that depend on each other in an ecosystem. There are three main types of symbiotic relationships which I have studied. They are commonly known as Commensalism, Mutualism, and Parasitism.
This is just a visual representation of what these relationships look like. Basically, in a Commensalistic relationship, one species uses another species. The other species is not harmed in this relationship but they also don't gain anything. In a Mutualistic relationship, both species benefit from the relationship. In a Parasitic relationship, one species uses and harms another species.
Giraffe Relationships
The giraffe is mainly involved in two different relationships.
Parasitism: Ticks Dangerous ticks attach themselves to the giraffe's back and feed on their blood. Some ticks carry life-threatening diseases and transfer them to the animals they live on. The relationship between ticks and giraffes is considered parasitic because the ticks are taking the giraffe's vital nutrients and potentially killing them.
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Mutualsim: Oxpecker BirdsOxpecker birds feed off of the giraffes. These birds rest on the giraffes necks and harvest the ticks and other insects from the giraffe's fur. The relationship between the Oxpecker birds and giraffes is considered mutualistic because the birds are being fed, essentially, by the giraffes and in return the harmful ticks are removed from the giraffe's skin.
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