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4. Interdependence
Mutual dependence between species takes many forms
Perhaps surprisingly, there are sometimes benefits to being eaten, and some organisms actively encourage others to feed on them. One of the best examples of this is where plants make use of insects or other animals to pollinate their flowers. In return for having their gametes dispersed, the plant usually provides nectar, or excess pollen, on which the pollinators can feed. This is a mutualistic interaction, where both parties benefit (++). Another mutualism occurs where many tropical trees provide shelter and/or nectar to ants, in return for which the ants act as bodyguards, defending the trees against herbivores. and in some cases systematically poisoning other nearby competing trees. Some species form intimate (symbiotic) mutualisms with other species, and are totally mutually dependent - lichens for example. Lichens are compound organisms formed by algae and fungi in intimate association.
Can you think of examples of mutual dependence between species?