An important feature of ecological communities is the interactions between organisms. Not only do they shape the communities but they are an important factor in understanding population growth and how we as humans can better manage and protect ecosystems.

This lesson will teach students about five important interactions within communities: predation, competition, mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.

This product includes:

• Guided notes – both PDF and editable word document
• PowerPoint – corresponds with the notes. Most text is editable, images are not.
• Worksheet – corresponds to the PowerPoint lesson.
• Article Analysis – two articles plus question sheets that correspond to the unit of study.
• Predator-Prey Lab Activity – Students model the population dynamics of a predator-prey relationship in this hands-on activity. Students will collect their own data to create a graph at the end of the investigation.
• Quiz – 10 questions match the term and identify the interaction. Includes editable version.
• Answer keys

Vocabulary covered in this lesson:

• Predation
• Predator
• Prey
• Keystone Species
• Camouflage ·
• Competition
• Symbiosis
• Commensalism
• Mutualism
• Parasitism

Standards covered:

• SCI.7.6.3: Describe types of interactions between organisms
• SCI.7.8.1: Define ecosystem, competition, predation, mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism
• SCI.7.8.2: Explain what happens when competition enters an ecosystem
• SCI.7.8.3: Compare and contrast mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism
• SCI:7.8.4: Identify relationships among organisms (e.g. competition, predation, mutualism, commensalism, parasitism)