Marine
Ecosystems

Background: The ocean as a biome probably contains more symbiotic relationships than any other biome on this planet. These relationships are divided into three categories; parasitism, commensalism, and mutualism. Parasitism is probably the one form of symbiosis most people know, and is characterized by the host being harmed and the parasite benefiting. Commensalism is generally the least known type of symbiosis, and involves a relationship where one organism benefits and the other is not harmed. Mutualism is characterized by both organisms benefiting.

Activity # 1 : Parasitic relationships

Search the internet for examples of parasitism in marine organisms. Identify at least five such symbiotic relationships. In the text field below list the organisms involved, and the URL's for the sites where you obtained your findings.

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Activity # 2 : Commensalism

Go to Needham High School and read about an example of commensalism. Now go back to Needham H.S. and see another example of commensalism. Your mission is to go out to library type resources and find other examples of commensalism in an ocean biome. Please use the text box below to write a 400 to 600 word report on the examples of this kind of symbiosis that you have researched.

Activity # 3 : Mutualism in the oceans

Go to library type sources and find at least five examples of mutualism. In the text area below list the organisms involved in each relationship. Identity the ecosystems they are found in and construct a food chain for each organism.

Assessment :

Student grades on Lesson 5 will essentially be credit for