1. Mutualism: This is a relationship where both organisms benefit. It's a win-win situation!
* Example: Bees and flowers. Bees get nectar from flowers, which they use for food. In the process, they spread pollen from flower to flower, helping the flowers reproduce.
2. Commensalism: This is a relationship where one organism benefits, and the other is neither helped nor harmed.
* Example: Barnacles and whales. Barnacles attach themselves to the skin of whales, getting a free ride and access to food. The whales are not affected by this.
3. Parasitism: This is a relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of the other. The organism that benefits is called the parasite, and the organism that is harmed is called the host.
* Example: Ticks and dogs. Ticks feed on the blood of dogs, getting nourishment while potentially transmitting diseases to the dog. The dog suffers from the blood loss and possible illness.