Final answer:
Interdependence refers to the concept of living things relying on other organisms or their environment to meet their needs for survival. Examples include relationships between bees and flowers, as well as competition for resources such as food, water, and territory.
Step-by-step explanation:
Definition of Interdependence
Interdependence refers to the concept of living things relying on other organisms or their environment to meet their needs for survival. It involves the interconnectedness and interactions between different organisms in an ecosystem.
Examples of Interdependence
One example of interdependence is the relationship between bees and flowers. Bees depend on flowers for nectar and pollen as a food source, while flowers depend on bees for pollination. Another example is the relationship between predator and prey, where predators rely on their prey species for food.
Symbiosis vs. Competition
Symbiosis is a type of interdependence where two or more species live together and benefit from each other. Examples include mutualism, where both species benefit, and parasitism, where one species benefits at the expense of the other. In contrast, competition is a type of interdependence where different species compete for the same resources, such as food, water, or territory.
Resources Organisms Compete For
Organisms may compete for various resources in their environment, including:
- Food: Different species may compete for limited food resources in an ecosystem.
- Water: Availability of water can be a limiting resource, especially in arid environments.
- Territory: Some organisms compete for territory or space to establish their own habitat or breeding grounds.