Cambridge Preparation for the TOEFL(R) Test

Fourth Edition, CD-ROM

Script: Test 3 Speaking, Question 4

We've been discussing the three symbiotic relationships between species: mutualism,
in which both organisms benefit; parasitism, in which one benefits and the other is
harmed; and commensalism, where one benefits while neither benefiting nor harming
the other. Now, of course, these relationships are not always clear cut. For example,
there is a plant called the bee orchid. Its flowers look like female bees - to the male
bee anyway. The bee orchid tricks the male bee into mating with the flower, thus
pollinating it. However, we don't know if, in fact, the relationship between this particular
plant and the bee is mutualism, parasitism, or commensalism.

Sometimes the relationship actually changes. Let me give you some examples. We
have bacteria on our skin, for instance. These colonies of bacteria don't harm us. So
we can say that at this point the relationship is commensal. But what happens if we get
burned? The bacteria on our skin can take advantage of the burn and cause infections.
The bacteria turn into what we call an opportunistic pathogen. A pathogen, by the way,
is parasitic.

Here's another example. Shrimp and crabs take advantage of colonies of coral, which
provide a nice home. They neither harm nor benefit the coral colonies. So the
relationship here is also commensal. But sometimes a coral-eating sea star attacks the
coral. At that point, the shrimp and crabs defend the coral. Without these creatures to
protect it, the coral would be eaten. So in this case the relationship becomes mutual.
The coral and its defenders are now in a relationship in which both organisms benefit.

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