Symbiotic Relationships
Mutualism: An example of a mutualistic symbiotic relationship is the relationship between finches and giant tortoises. Finches land on the tortoises back as a place to rest and be in less danger, while there, they also eat parasites off the tortoises back. The finches get protection, food, and a place to rest while the tortoises get potentially harmful parasites taken off their shells.
Parasitism: An example of parasitism is the relationship between Lava Lizards and Giant Painted Locust. The locusts are a large source of food for the lizards, therefore, the lizards are being benefited by getting a meal and the locusts are being killed.
Commensalism: An example of commensalism is the relationship between the Galapagos Finches and the Scalesia trees. The trees are unaffected by the birds, but the birds get a place to live and make their nests.
Competitive Relationships
Tortoises vs. Large Mammals: Tortoises are in competition for food with several non-native large mammals, most notably, goats.
Land Iguanas vs. Goats: The goats that were brought to the islands destroyed a lot of the vegetation which caused a rapid decline in the health and population of land iguanas.
Land Iguanas vs. Goats: The goats that were brought to the islands destroyed a lot of the vegetation which caused a rapid decline in the health and population of land iguanas.