Relationships in Ecosystems

Relationships in Ecosystems

• Number your paper 1 – 17. • For each statement write the word

from the word bank that best describes the relationship.

1. Vultures gather around a dead deer.

WORD BANK:commensalism mutualismscavenger populationcommunity predationcompetition producerfood chain decomposerparasitism organism

2. Camels, cacti, sagebrush, lizards, snakes and insects all

live together in a section of the desert.

WORD BANK:commensalism mutualismscavenger populationcommunity predationcompetition organismfood chain decomposerparasitism habitat

3. A tick feeds on your dog.

WORD BANK:commensalism mutualismscavenger populationcommunity predationcompetition producerfood chain decomposerparasitism community

4. Beetles and termites want to break down the dead material in the same spot on the same dead

tree. WORD BANK:commensalism mutualismscavenger populationcommunity predationcompetition producerfood chain decomposerparasitism organism

5. Mice feed on acorns; owls feed on mice.

WORD BANK:commensalism mutualismscavenger populationcommunity predator-preycompetition organismfood chain decomposerparasitism producer

6. A pond frog catches a nice fly on his sticky tongue.

WORD BANK:commensalism mutualismscavenger populationcommunity predationcompetition food chaindecomposer habitatparasitism producer

7. The dandelions and your lawn are trying to grow in the

same space.WORD BANK:commensalism mutualismscavenger populationcommunity predator-preycompetition food chaindecomposer consumerparasitism

8. Mule deer live in the forest behind my house.

WORD BANK:commensalism mutualismscavengers populationcommunity predator-preycompetitionfood chain decomposerparasitism scavenger

9. A bacteria causes your throat to be sore.

WORD BANK:commensalism mutualismscavengers populationcommunity predator-preycompetitionfood chain decomposerparasitism scavenger

10. An orchid attaches itself to a tree branch without doing the

tree any harm. WORD BANK:commensalism mutualismscavengers populationcommunity predator-preycompetitionfood chain decomposerparasitism scavenger

11. A poisonous sea anemone gives protection to a fish, but feeds on the predators that come after it.

WORD BANK:commensalism mutualismscavengers populationcommunity predator-preycompetitionfood chain decomposerparasitism scavenger

12. A mountain lion stalks a young deer.

WORD BANK:commensalism mutualismscavengers populationcommunity predator-preycompetitionfood chain decomposerparasitism scavenger

13. A fungus grows on a rotting log.

WORD BANK:commensalism mutualismscavengers populationcommunity predator-preycompetitionfood chain decomposerparasitism scavenger

14. Ants crawl all over a dead worm.

WORD BANK:commensalism mutualismscavengers populationcommunity predator-preycompetitionfood chain decomposerparasitism scavenger

15. Some bacteria live and get their nourishment inside your intestines,

and help keep them healthy.

WORD BANK:commensalism mutualismscavengers populationcommunity predator-preycompetitionfood chain decomposerparasitism scavenger

16. Weeds and young corn plants try to grow in the same

garden. WORD BANK:commensalism mutualismscavengers populationcommunity predator-preycompetitionfood chain decomposerparasitism scavenger

17. A spider traps a fat fly in her web.

WORD BANK:commensalism mutualismscavengers populationcommunity predator-preycompetitionfood chain decomposerparasitism scavenger

Answer Key1. Scavengers 9. Parasitism

2. Community 10. commensalism

3. Parasitism 11. Mutualism

4. Competition 12. Predator-Prey

5. Food Chain 13. Decomposer

6. Predator-Prey 14. Scavengers

7. Competition 15. Mutualism

8. Population 16. Competition

17. Predator-Prey