Symbiotic Relationship/Interdependence
Symbiotic Relationship/Interdependence
Objectives
In this lesson, students learn about different types of symbiotic relationships, and examine the symbiosis between fig trees and fig tree wasps in detail. Students will:
- describe various types of symbiotic relationships between organisms.
- explain the evidence scientists have found about the history of the relationship between fig trees and fig tree wasps.
Essential Questions
Vocabulary
- Symbiosis: A close relationship between organisms of different species that live together.
- Mutualism: A type of symbiosis in which both species benefit from the relationship.
- Parasitism: A type of symbiosis in which one species benefits and the other is harmed. The parasitic species lives in or on the host species.
- Commensalism: A type of symbiosis in which one species benefits and the other is unaffected.
Duration
45–60 minutes/1–2 class periods
Prerequisite Skills
Materials
- Types of Symbiosis–Student Version (S-7-3-3_Types of Symbiosis-Student Version.doc)
- Types of Symbiosis–Teacher Version (S-7-3-3_Types of Symbiosis-Teacher Version.doc)
- World’s Oldest Fig Wasp Fossil article (S-7-3-3_World's Oldest Fig Wasp Fossil.doc), available at:
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100615191649.htm (If computers with Internet access are not available for students, make enough copies of this article for groups of 2–3 students.)
Related Unit and Lesson Plans
Related Materials & Resources
The possible inclusion of commercial websites below is not an implied endorsement of their products, which are not free, and are not required for this lesson plan.
- Video: Mutual Dependence (figs and wasps)
www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/the-queen-of-trees/video-mutual-dependence/1359/
- Figs and Their Wasps
http://cloudbridge.org/fig-wasp.htm
- Interaction of Figs and Fig Wasps
www.figweb.org/Interaction/index.htm
- The Calimyrna Fig and Its Pollinator Wasp (with photographs)
http://waynesword.palomar.edu/pljune99.htm
- The Strangler Fig
http://cloudbridge.org/strangler.htm
- Examples of symbiotic relationships