* Competition: Tigers compete with other predators like leopards and dholes for prey. This is a negative interaction, as both species are negatively impacted by the competition.
* Predation: Tigers are apex predators, meaning they have a significant impact on their prey populations. This is a negative relationship for the prey species, but a positive for the tigers as it provides them with food.
* Scavenging: Tigers may scavenge on carcasses left behind by other predators or by natural causes. This is a neutral relationship for the tigers, as they benefit from a ready source of food without the energy expenditure of hunting.
* Mutualism (indirect): Tigers help maintain the health of their ecosystem by controlling prey populations. This indirectly benefits other species within the ecosystem, even if it's not a direct mutualism.
Key takeaways:
* Bengal tigers primarily have competitive and predatory relationships with other organisms in their ecosystem.
* These relationships are essential for maintaining the ecological balance of their habitat.
* While not direct mutualism, tigers can indirectly benefit other species by keeping prey populations in check.
Therefore, while not exhibiting classic symbiosis, Bengal tigers have a complex and dynamic web of interactions within their environment.