Monday, June 25, 2012

Zhang: Mutualism

A Mutualistic Relationship:
The American Bumblebee  (
Bombus pennsylvanicus) and the
Sweet Joe-Pye-Weed plant (
Eupatorium purpureum, a type of
flowering
 
perennial)

The bee benefits from this relationship because the bees are
able to eat the flower's pollen as food/fuel. The plants benefit
because the pollen must be distributed to other flowers in order for
the flowers to reproduce. Bees deposit pollen to the flowers that they
visit, therefore helping more flowers grow. Location: 
42.29623, -71.58593 
A Mutualistic Relationship:
The Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) and
the Sea Anemone (Heteractis magnifica)

The clownfish benefits from this relationship because the
anemone provides a predator-free living environment.
Clownfish have a protective mucus layer, so they are the only
type of fish that do not get stung from the anemone's tentacles.
The anemone benefits from this  interaction because there is better
 water circulation from the clownfish's fins. The fish also cleans the
anemone and provides protection from polyp-eating eating fish
by chasing them away. 
Location: 42.35889, -71.05083








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