Predator-Prey Relationships:
* Lions and zebras: Lions prey on zebras, controlling their population and providing food for the lions.
* Hawks and mice: Hawks hunt mice, keeping their numbers in check and providing food for the hawks.
Mutualistic Relationships:
* Bees and flowers: Bees pollinate flowers, helping them reproduce, while the bees get nectar as food.
* Oxpeckers and zebras: Oxpeckers eat ticks and other parasites off zebras, getting a meal while keeping the zebras healthy.
* Clownfish and anemones: Clownfish live within the stinging tentacles of sea anemones, finding protection from predators, while the clownfish keep the anemone clean and may bring it food.
Commensalism:
* Barnacles and whales: Barnacles attach themselves to the skin of whales, getting a ride and access to food, while the whales are not significantly affected.
* Egrets and cattle: Egrets follow cattle, eating insects that are disturbed by the cattle, benefiting from the cattle's foraging without harming them.
Competition:
* Lions and hyenas: Lions and hyenas compete for the same prey, influencing each other's population sizes.
* Different species of birds: Birds may compete for nesting sites or food sources, impacting their survival and distribution.
Other Examples:
* Reef ecosystems: Coral reefs support a diverse range of species, including fish, invertebrates, and algae, all depending on each other for food, shelter, and reproduction.
* Forest ecosystems: Trees provide habitat for birds, insects, and mammals, while these animals contribute to seed dispersal and nutrient cycling.
Important Note: These are just a few examples, and there are countless other ways animals depend on each other. The complex interactions between different species are essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and biodiversity.