Ecological Relationships

1. A lichen is a combination of a fungus and an alga that lives on the side of the trees, rocks, and other materials. The fungus provides the alga with water and minerals and the alga uses the water and minerals to make food for both organisms.

2. The remora fish attaches to the belly of the shark by a sucker disc in its mouth. It travels everywhere the shark goes. It eats any parasites on the shark which helps keep the shark clean. It also eats any leftover food from the shark.

3. A flatworm attaches to a horseshoe crab and it will eat the crab’s food. This does not harm the crab.

4. Tapeworms are segmented flatworms that attach themselves to the insides of the intestines of animals such as cows, pigs, and humans. They get food by eating the host's partly digested food, depriving the host of nutrients.

5. The taller trees shield the forest from sunlight, making it possible for the growth of mainly shade tolerant plants and impossible for the growth of the smaller plants.