The animals and plants within an ecosystem live in a delicate balance, each species connected to another.

In some cases, one species actually becomes dependent on another species for survival. A symbiotic relationship is defined as a relationship between two organisms in which at least one benefits from the other.

In this lesson, students will take on the role of an animal or plant involved in at least one symbiotic relationship. They must read a short description and identify the other organism and the specific type of symbiotic relationship that is represented.

The lesson is available as a downloadable PDF that includes ideas to extend and modify the lesson for different audiences.

This lesson is modified from Project WILD’s “Good Buddies” activity.