DK - WOW! The Visual Encyclopedia of Everything

Living together

TOGETHER

52

The microscopic algae

that live in partnership

with this coral provide

its vivid colour

Ants protect the aphids

from their enemies in

exchange for sweet,

syrupy honeydew

Animals and plants often rely on other

living things for survival. Food, shelter, and

pollination are some of the clearest examples

of this. However, some animals and plants

have much closer relationships. They can be

partners, providing things like food or

protection for each other. Some tag along

with others without providing anything in

return. Many do worse, latching on to other

organisms as parasites, which can harm or

even kill their often helpless hosts.

A strangler vine uses

a tree for support,

but eventually kills it

by competing for

food and light

This long, tubular

flower is a perfect fit

for the long bill of the

sword-billed

hummingbird

2

5

3 4

1

This cuckoo chick has

outgrown both the host

bird and its nest, but it

still cries out for food

052_053_Living_together.indd 52 03/01/19 12:09 PM