Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship in which both organisms involved benefit from the interaction. In the case of a ostrich and a gazelle the mutualism would involve the two animals working together in some way that is beneficial to both of them.
For example the ostrich could help the gazelle to find food or water and in return the gazelle could help the ostrich to avoid predators. This type of relationship would be beneficial to both animals because they would be able to help each other survive in their environment.
There are many other examples of mutualism between different species of animals and it is an important part of the way that ecosystems function. Mutualism is just one of the many ways that different species can interact with each other and it is an important part of the way that life on Earth has evolved.
What is a ostrich?
A ostrich is a large flightless bird that is native to Africa.
What is a gazelle?
A gazelle is a small antelope-like mammal that is found in Africa Asia and Europe.
What is mutualism?
Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship in which both species involved benefit from the association.
How does a ostrich and a gazelle make mutualism?
The ostrich provides shade and protection for the gazelle from predators while the gazelle keeps a lookout for predators and alerts the ostrich if one is present.
What are some other examples of mutualism?
Other examples of mutualism include the relationship between bees and flowers and the relationship between cows and cuckoo bees.
What would happen if the ostrich and the gazelle did not have mutualism?
If the ostrich and the gazelle did not have mutualism the gazelle would be more susceptible to predation and the ostrich would be more likely to overheat.
What other benefits does the ostrich receive from the mutualism?
The ostrich also receives the benefit of having its food source (the gazelle) close by.
What other benefits does the gazelle receive from the mutualism?
The gazelle also receives the benefit of having its food source (the ostrich) close by.
What would happen if the ostrich provided shade but the gazelle did not keep a lookout for predators?
If the ostrich provided shade but the gazelle did not keep a lookout for predators the gazelle would be more susceptible to predation.
What would happen if the gazelle kept a lookout for predators but the ostrich did not provide shade?
If the gazelle kept a lookout for predators but the ostrich did not provide shade the ostrich would be more likely to overheat.
How does the relationship between the ostrich and the gazelle compare to the relationship between bees and flowers?
The relationship between the ostrich and the gazelle is similar to the relationship between bees and flowers in that both pairs of species benefit from the association.
How does the relationship between the ostrich and the gazelle compare to the relationship between cows and cuckoo bees?
The relationship between the ostrich and the gazelle is similar to the relationship between cows and cuckoo bees in that both pairs of species benefit from the association.
What would happen if the relationship between the ostrich and the gazelle was not mutualistic?
If the relationship between the ostrich and the gazelle was not mutualistic the gazelle would be more susceptible to predation and the ostrich would be more likely to overheat.
What would happen if the relationship between bees and flowers was not mutualistic?
If the relationship between bees and flowers was not mutualistic the flowers would not be pollinated and the bees would not have a food source.
What would happen if the relationship between cows and cuckoo bees was not mutualistic?
If the relationship between cows and cuckoo bees was not mutualistic the cuckoo bees would not have a place to lay their eggs and the cows would not have their ticks removed.
