Question

One example of ecological interaction in the ocean is the relationship between boxer crabs and sea anemones. In this unique relationship, the crabs "wear" the stinging anemones on their claws as an extra level of protection from predators. The anemones are then free to eat any leftovers from the crab's meal.

Part A: Identify which type of symbiotic relationship the above example is.

Part B: In a parasitic type symbiotic relationship, one species of the pair is harmed. Make a fictional change to one of the members of the boxer crab/sea anemone relationship so that it becomes a parasitic relationship. Describe what that change is.

Answer 1

part A) there are basically three main types of symbiotic relationships
- mutualism - both species benefit
- commensalism - one species benefits and the other is unaffected
- parasitism - one species benefits and the other suffers

re-read the prompt and see whether the anemones/crabs are benefiting or suffering from the symbiotic relationship

for part B) my idea is maybe the anemone attaches somewhere else, like the underside where it's not useful to the crab, and just leeches off whatever the crab eats

Answer 2

ok, the way I described B) is more like commensalism but maybe the anemone manages to find somewhere where the crab is not protected well and absorbs nutrients that way