Mutualism
- Both species benefit
- i.e positive / positive interaction
- + +
In grasslands, bacteria unique to ruminants that lives in the stomachs of large herbivores helps to break down cellulose. In this way, the bacteria thrives in the stomach of the herbivores and the herbivores are able to metabolize the cellulose.
Parasitism
- One species benefits, one species is harmed
- i.e. positive/negative relationship + -
- eg ticks, tapeworms, threadworms, liverfluke, lampreys
- 'Good' parasites do not kill host
Cattle ergets have adapted to feed on the disturbed insects flushed from the grasses by the cattle. The cattle recieve no benefit, but the cattle ergets benefit from the food source
