Identify the relationships between the zooxanthellae and the hard coral, the remora and the manta ray, the tiger shark and the green sea turtle, and the dolphin and the school of trevallies and state why you chose that relationship. The relationships will be predation, competition, commensalism, or mutualism. (Site 1)
The relationship between the zooxanthellae and the hard coral is mutualism because the zooxanthellae provide the hard coral with oxygen and nutrients through photosynthesis, while the coral provides the zooxanthellae with a safe habitat and access to sunlight.
The relationship between the remora and the manta ray is commensalism because the remora benefits by attaching itself to the manta ray and being transported to new feeding grounds, while the manta ray is unaffected by the presence of the remora.
The relationship between the tiger shark and the green sea turtle is predation because the tiger shark preys on the green sea turtle for food.
The relationship between the dolphin and the school of trevallies is predation because the dolphin preys on the trevallies for food.
The relationship between the zooxanthellae and the hard coral is mutualism. Zooxanthellae are single-celled algae that live within the tissues of hard corals. They provide corals with food through photosynthesis and help them obtain nutrients. In return, the corals provide the zooxanthellae with a protected environment and the necessary carbon dioxide for their photosynthesis.
The relationship between the remora and the manta ray is commensalism. Remoras attach themselves to the bodies of manta rays using a suction cup-like structure on their head. They benefit from hitching a ride and feeding on the manta ray's leftovers and parasites. The manta ray is unaffected by the remora's presence.
The relationship between the tiger shark and the green sea turtle is predation. Tiger sharks are known to prey on green sea turtles, making the tiger shark the predator and the sea turtle the prey. The tiger shark feeds on the sea turtle for sustenance, while the green sea turtle is at risk of being consumed.
The relationship between the dolphin and the school of trevallies is a form of cooperation known as mutualism. Dolphins and trevallies often form cooperative hunting associations, where they work together to surround and trap schools of fish. The dolphins and trevallies benefit from an increased chance of capturing prey, while the fish benefit from being directed towards a concentrated food source.