Question

A group of ants attack a cicada, feed on it, and kill it, even though it is much larger than the ants. Which kind of relationship do the ant and the cicada share?

Answer 1

This question is asking us about a certain type of "symbiosis."

"Symbiosis" is a long term relationship between two or more species.

There are three types of symbiosis that you probably talked about, in class:

1. Mutualism -- where both organisms benefit from each other.

2. Commensalism -- where one organism benefits, and the other one is unaffected.

3. Parasitism -- where one organism benefits by harming the other organism.

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So, when ants eat a cicada, and kill it, which kind of symbiosis would that be?

Answer 2

I'd say the cicada is prey and the ants are predators. I always thought symbiosis was mutually beneficial for both organisms - I'll check just now.

Answer 3

It looks like it's a bit controversial - some say it's any living together of organisms whilst some prefer to use symbiosis as meaning a mutually beneficial relationship like the clownfish and the sea anemone. One to look out for, best wishes,