ORGANISM RELATIONSHIPS

In Zion, there are many types of relationships, some that are beneficial and some harmful. Read about them below.

Trophic Level Chart

Symbiotic Relationships

Bot Flies

Bot flies are an example of a parasitism relationship. They are host-specific flies that infect rodents, rabbits, livestock, and humans. Females deposit eggs around nests, burrows, and runways. Host animals then become infestd when they pass through contaminated areas. The eggs than hatch and the larva enter's the host's body and infects it.

Protozoa and termites have a mutualism type relationship. The protozoa helps termites digest the food they eat so the protozoa gets food for itself and the termite gets to live.

References

Coyotes. (n.d.). Coyote.

Retrieved May 25, 2014, from http://www.desertusa.com/animals/coyote.html

Desert Cottontail. (n.d.). - DesertUSA.

Retrieved May 25, 2014, from http://www.desertusa.com/mag00/apr/papr/rabbit.html

In The Desert. (n.d.). In the Desert, Lizard, Lizards, Reptiles, Gila Monster, Chuckwalla, Desert Iguana, Collared Lizard, Spiny Lizard, Leopard Lizard..

Retrieved May 25, 2014, from http://www.in-the-desert.com/lizard.html

NIE Rocks!. (n.d.). NIE Rocks.

Retrieved May 23, 2014, from http://nierocks.areavoices.com/tag/sun/

States. National Park Service. (2014, May 4). Cacti / Desert Succulents. National Parks Service.

Retrieved May 25, 2014, from http://www.nps.gov/zion/naturescience/cacti.htm

Zion National Park Information. (n.d.). Zion National Park Information.

Retrieved May 23, 2014, from http://www.dozionnationalpark.com/zion-national-park-information.html