Biotic Interactions in an Ecosystem

Biotic InteractionsBiotic interactions are interactions between the living things in the ecosystem.Examples include:• Symbiosis

• Predation

• Competition

SymbiosisSymbiosis is the interaction between members of two different species that live in close association.

Example of Symbiosis• Mushrooms prevent

tree roots from drying out

• Mushrooms also help trees absorb water and nutrients

• Mushrooms benefit by getting food , in the form of sugar, from trees

Predation• Predation occurs when one organism

consumes another organism for food. The organ that is consumed is called the prey. The organism that eats the prey is called the predator

Example of Predation• The river otter is a

predator. It’d prey includes fish, crabs, frogs and turtles.

• The river otter is also prey to other predators such as coyotes

• The relationship between predator and prey can effect the entire ecosystem

Competition • Competition occurs when two or more

organisms compete for the same resource, such as food, in the same location at the same time.

• Competition takes energy that could be used for other life processes.

• Competition can affect the population size and success of a group of organisms.

Example of Competition

• Dandelions compete with grass for light, water and nutrients.