Any living creature cannot survive alone and constantly interacts with other species of beings. In the process of livelihood, they create various forms of contact. Ecological systems include many species with their unique relationships at different levels. Non-trophic interactions are relationships between species that do not imply consumption. An example of non-trophic relationships between marine species is decorator crabs and sponges. Their connection is built on mutualism – interaction, which benefits both sides.
Non-trophic interactions can be different, for example, mutualism, parasitism, or commensalism. The type of interaction is determined by the influence that the species make on each other – benefit, harm, or absence of an effect. Mutualism suggests that both species will benefit; for example, bees transfer pollen and, in turn, receive the nectar. Among marine species, this type is common, and decorator crabs and sponges’ interaction is a distinctive example. Crabs cut a piece of sponge and attach it to their shell, where it continues to live (Deepblu, 2018). Sponges serve as camouflage and poisonous species – as protection from predators. Decorator crabs’ shells have hooked hairs that act like sticks (Langley, 2018). Sponges receive benefits as crabs transfer them to new feeding sites. Crabs can also use other species for masking and protection – anemones or toxic algae.
Thus, non-trophic interactions between species may differ, but their distinguishing feature is that they do not include consumption. Such relationships may be beneficial, harmful, or have no effect on the species. Decorator crabs and sponges’ relations are an example of mutually helpful non-trophic interaction – mutualism. Crabs attach sponges to the shell to mask or protect against predators, and sponges, in turn, can move to new places for nutrition.
References
Deepblu. (2018). A little help from a friend: 5 symbiotic marine animal relationships.
Langley, L. (2018). Absolutely crabulous: Why some crabs get dressed up. National Geographic.