Commensalism parasitism
mutualism
symbiosis
host
parasite
The Sonoran Desert is home to many species that form close
relationships called.
For example, the Phainopepla (a bird)
and Mistletoe (a plant) have a close relationship where the bird eats the
plant's berries and spreads the seeds with its droppings. This is called
because the bird receives nutrition and the plant is able to
reproduce. Mistletoe forms another type of relationship between other
plants, such as the Desert Ironwood. When its seed germinates, the
Mistletoe digs its roots into the connective tissue of another tree and
takes away its water resources. This is
where the Mistletoe
acts as the
and the Desert Ironwood acts as the
While the Mistletoe makes its home in Ironwoods, the Cactus Wren
makes its nests by burrowing holes in Cholla Cacti. This is an example of
because the cactus is still alive and relatively unaffected, but
the bird is provided safety and shelter.