case study on relationships in ecosystems:

Case Study on Relationships in

Ecosystems:

Case Study on Relationships in

Ecosystems:

An observant 12th grade AP student was doing a study on the relationships between organisms. One June, the student wandered through a

Sweet Clover field and observed the following

organisms and their activities :

An observant 12th grade AP student was doing a study on the relationships between organisms. One June, the student wandered through a

Sweet Clover field and observed the following

organisms and their activities :

The main producers were Sweet Clover plants, Wild Oats, Canada Thistle and Blue Burr. These species were growing and photosynthesizing, intermingled in the same field.

1. Which two of the following best describe the relationships that

exist between the plants?

1. Which two of the following best describe the relationships that

exist between the plants? mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition

mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition

Upon digging up a clover plant, the student observed an average of 8

nodules on the roots of each clover plant (Nodules contain bacteria which have the ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into nitrates and release them into the soil.

Plants utilize nitrates to manufacture proteins.)

Upon digging up a clover plant, the student observed an average of 8

nodules on the roots of each clover plant (Nodules contain bacteria which have the ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into nitrates and release them into the soil.

Plants utilize nitrates to manufacture proteins.)

2. Which of the following best describes the

ecological relationship that exists between the bacteria and the clover

plant?

2. Which of the following best describes the

ecological relationship that exists between the bacteria and the clover

plant? mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition


Small green aphids were sucking the juices from clover stems. Further investigation found some aphids

being eaten by an army of ants.

Small green aphids were sucking the juices from clover stems. Further investigation found some aphids

being eaten by an army of ants.

3. What type of ecological

relationship exists between the aphids and

the clover?


relationship exists between the aphids and

the clover? mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition



relationship exists between the ants and

the aphids?


relationship exists between the ants and

the aphids? mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition


A considerable number of clover and wild oat plants had been cut down and partially eaten by a colony of lined

squirrels that made their home in an adjacent pasture.

A considerable number of clover and wild oat plants had been cut down and partially eaten by a colony of lined

squirrels that made their home in an adjacent pasture.

5. Which of the following describes the relationship

between the squirrels and the clover plants?

5. Which of the following describes the relationship

between the squirrels and the clover plants?



6. What is the ecological relationship that exists between the squirrels?

6. What is the ecological relationship that exists between the squirrels?



The squirrels had lice.

The squirrels had lice.

. What ecological relationship exists between the lice and

the squirrels?

. What ecological relationship exists between the lice and

the squirrels? mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition


Some clover plants had withered and died. A white

fungus was found on the roots and lower stems, which was identified as

root rot.

Some clover plants had withered and died. A white

fungus was found on the roots and lower stems, which was identified as

root rot.

8. Which of the following best describes the ecological

relationship between the clover plant and the fungus?


relationship between the clover plant and the fungus?



A colony of Leaf Cutters bees was

feeding on the nectar and pollinating

flowers.

A colony of Leaf Cutters bees was

feeding on the nectar and pollinating

flowers.

9. What ecological relationship exists between the flowers

and the bees

9. What ecological relationship exists between the flowers

and the bees mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition


A bee keeper was setting out a hive of

honey bees.

A bee keeper was setting out a hive of

honey bees.

10. What ecological relationship exists

between the bee keeper and the bees?

10. What ecological relationship exists

between the bee keeper and the bees? mutualism

parasitism commensalism predation competition


Several butterflies and moths were flitting over the field. Some could be observed landing

on flowers, others were landing on leaf axils, and the

students thought they were laying eggs.

Several butterflies and moths were flitting over the field. Some could be observed landing

on flowers, others were landing on leaf axils, and the

students thought they were laying eggs.

11. What ecological relationship exists between

the butterflies and the leaves?

11. What ecological relationship exists between

the butterflies and the leaves? mutualism



Nearby, a Red Fox was dozing in the sun, contented after

his recent kill, a Jack Rabbit. Several Blue Burr

seeds were stuck in his coat.

Nearby, a Red Fox was dozing in the sun, contented after

his recent kill, a Jack Rabbit. Several Blue Burr

seeds were stuck in his coat.

12. What ecological relationship exists between the fox and

the rabbit?

12. What ecological relationship exists between the fox and

the rabbit? mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition


13. What is the relationship between

the seeds and the fox?

13. What is the relationship between

the seeds and the fox? mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition


Hundreds of soil insects were burrowing in and out of the soil, pausing to

feed on dead plant leaves. Several species of insects

were involved.

Hundreds of soil insects were burrowing in and out of the soil, pausing to

feed on dead plant leaves. Several species of insects

were involved.


relationship that exists between the various species of

insects?


relationship that exists between the various species of

insects? mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition


A Mallard hen brooded her clutch, hidden from the

watchful eyes by the dense clover foliage.

A Mallard hen brooded her clutch, hidden from the

watchful eyes by the dense clover foliage.

15. What is the ecological relationship between the hen

and the foliage?

15. What is the ecological relationship between the hen

and the foliage? mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition


Prairie birds from a nearby slough picked caterpillars from

clover stems.

Prairie birds from a nearby slough picked caterpillars from

clover stems.

16. What is the ecological relationship between the

blackbirds and the caterpillars?

16. What is the ecological relationship between the

blackbirds and the caterpillars? mutualism



17. What is the ecological relationship between the blackbirds

and the clover stems?

17. What is the ecological relationship between the blackbirds

and the clover stems?



case study on relationships in ecosystems:

Documents

clover stems

sweet clover plants

clover plant nodules

sweet clover field

following best

following organisms

wild oat plants

colony of lined squirrels