3. **Other than** sea anemones and clownfish, what is a **different pair** of organisms that have a mutually beneficial relationship? First, name the two animals in the mutually beneficial relationship. Second, describe their relationship and explain why it is mutually beneficial. (only do some sort of sea animal)
The two animals in a mutually beneficial relationship are cleaner shrimp and moray eels.
Cleaner shrimp are known for their role in cleaning parasites and dead skin off the bodies of other marine animals, including moray eels. By removing these parasites, the cleaner shrimp provide a valuable service to the moray eels, helping to improve their overall health and well-being. In return, the moray eels allow the cleaner shrimp to move freely around their bodies, providing them with a safe place to work without being eaten. This relationship is mutually beneficial because the cleaner shrimp get a source of food and protection, while the moray eels benefit from improved health and hygiene.
4. What do the clownfish and butterflyfish compete over? (Hint: It's not food, they don't eat the same thing.)
Clownfish and butterflyfish compete over territory within their shared coral reef habitat. Both species are known to establish and defend specific territories for breeding, shelter, and protection from predators. In some cases, there may be overlap in preferred territory locations between clownfish and butterflyfish, leading to competition between the two species. This competition can result in aggressive behaviors such as chasing, territorial displays, and even physical confrontations in order to establish dominance and ensure access to the desired territory.
5. **Other than** the clownfish and butterfly fish, what are **other** species that have a competitive relationship? First, name the animals in the competitive relationship. Second, describe their relationship and explain why it is competitive. (again, sea animals.)
One example of species with a competitive relationship in the ocean is the sea urchin and the abalone.
Sea urchins and abalones both feed on algae, and therefore compete for the same food source in their marine environment. This competition for algae can lead to conflicts between the two species, as they try to consume as much food as possible to meet their nutritional needs. Both sea urchins and abalones may actively graze on algae in overlapping areas, leading to competition for limited food resources. This competitive relationship can result in reduced food availability for one or both species, impacting their growth and survival rates in the ecosystem.
6. How does an increase in water temperature impact corals? How does that then affect the other species on the coral reef? Answer BOTH questions.
An increase in water temperature can have detrimental effects on corals through a process known as coral bleaching. When water temperatures rise, corals expel the algae living in their tissues, which gives the corals their vibrant colors. The loss of these algae leaves the corals pale or "bleached," weakening them and making them more susceptible to disease and mortality.
The impact of coral bleaching extends beyond just the corals themselves. Corals provide essential habitat and food sources for a wide variety of species on the coral reef ecosystem. When corals are stressed and bleach, they are less able to provide shelter and nutrients to the many fish, invertebrates, and other organisms that depend on them for survival. This disruption in the coral reef ecosystem can lead to a decline in biodiversity, population reductions, and even cascading effects throughout the food chain. Furthermore, as coral reefs deteriorate, the loss of their protective structures can also leave coastal areas more vulnerable to erosion and storm damage.
7. What type of relationship exists between the bluestriped fangblenny and the lizardfish? (Is it competitive, predatory, mutualistic, or parasitic?) Second, describe that relationship and explain your choice. Complete BOTH responses.
The relationship between the bluestriped fangblenny and the lizardfish is predatory.
The bluestriped fangblenny is known for its predatory behavior towards other fish, including the lizardfish. The bluestriped fangblenny mimics the behavior and appearance of cleaner wrasse, attracting larger fish like the lizardfish to approach it for a "cleaning" service. However, instead of cleaning, the bluestriped fangblenny will often dart forward and bite off a piece of scales or flesh from the unsuspecting lizardfish. This predatory tactic allows the bluestriped fangblenny to obtain a meal while avoiding being eaten itself.
In this relationship, the bluestriped fangblenny benefits from obtaining food through its deceptive tactics, while the lizardfish is negatively impacted by losing a portion of its scales or flesh. This predator-prey dynamic highlights the competitive and potentially harmful nature of their relationship.