Science Worksheet · Grades 5–7
Symbiosis Worksheet
A printable science worksheet for grades 5-7 on symbiosis: the three close relationships between species – mutualism (both helped), commensalism (one helped, one unaffected), and parasitism (one helped, one harmed). Students classify eight relationships, then explain each kind. A complete answer key is included.
Subject
Science
Grades
Grades 5–7
Skill Focus
Symbiosis, ecology
Lesson Length
20 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
Symbiosis is a close relationship between two different species. In mutualism both species are helped, in commensalism one is helped and the other is unaffected, and in parasitism one is helped while the other is harmed. This worksheet helps students sort real relationships into these three kinds.
Section A on page 1 gives eight relationships – bee and flower, tick and dog, remora and shark, and more – and asks students to classify each one. The reference box teaches the idea with a cleaner fish and a larger fish (mutualism), which is not reused in any item.
Section B on page 2 asks students what symbiosis is, how mutualism differs from parasitism, what happens to the second species in commensalism, and to give a mutualism example. Page 3 is a complete answer key with sample answers. The skill builds toward food webs and ecosystems.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and explain why cleaner fish and larger fish is mutualism.
Complete Section A independently – have students ask ‘who is helped, and is anyone harmed?’
Work Section B item 12 together: give a mutualism example and explain it.
Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check.
Pair with the Food Web Worksheet or the Predator and Prey Worksheet.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key
Symbiosis Worksheet
A printable science worksheet for grades 5-7 on symbiosis: the three close relationships between species – mutualism (both helped), commensalism (one helped, one unaffected), and parasitism (one helped, one harmed). Students classify eight relationships, then explain each kind. A complete answer key is included.
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