Species
1 2 Type of Interaction General Nature of Interaction and Example
0 0 Neutralism Neither population affects the other.
Squirrel (0), Butterfly (0)
+ + Mutualism* Interaction favorable to both and obligatory.
Lichens: algae (+, gains water and protection),
fungus (+, receives food produced by algae)
+ + Protocooperation Interaction favorable to both but not obligatory.
Marine crab (+, gains camouflage),
Sponge (+, transported to food)
+ 0 Commensalism* The commensal (1) benefits while the host (2) is not
affected. Spanish Moss (+, support), Tree (0)
+ - Predation The predator (1), usually larger, kills and eats the
prey (2); Snake (+, gains food), mouse (-, eaten)
+ - Parasitism* The parasite (1), usually smaller, attacks the host (2)
Tapeworm (+, gains food), Human (-, loses energy)
- 0 Amensalism Population 1 inhibited, 2 not affected
Small bush (-,deprived of sun's energy), large tree (0)
- - Competition Indirect inhibition of each species by the other when
(Resource Use type) common resource is in short supply.
Arctic Fox (-) and Arctic Owl (-) both competing for
same food source (Lemmings)
- - Competition Direct inhibition of each species by the other.
(Direct Interference type) Mutual predation: Bream (-,eaten by Bass)
Bass (-, when small eaten by Bream)
(* types of symbiosis - two species living together closely)
0 not affected by the association / interaction
+ benefits from the association
- loses from the association
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