Non-Human Organism Interactions
Parasitism
Ticks and leeches live in the Daintree Rainforest, as well as many others. Leeches will attach themselves to any animals or plants with easily accessible skin. Ticks are similar to leeches in attaching to the outside of a host. They can carry diseases (like lyme disease) and pass them on to the host (Rottink).
Commensalism
The Staghorn fern grown high in trees to gain better access to sunlight. Its basket shape allows it to catch rainwater, so the only dependence the Staghorn fern has on the trees is the surface on which it is to grow. The fern benefits and has no effect on the tree it resides on (Commensalism).
Mutualism
Alder trees, like the Blush Alder, are excellent examples of mutualism (beneficial relationship between organisms) in an ecosystem like the Daintree Rainforest. On the roots of these great trees live bacteria that release nitrogen into the soil. The nitrogen supports plant life in the soil like the Blush Alder. The cycle is able to keep both organisms alive because the trees act as a food source for the bacteria and, in turn, the nitrogen helps keep the trees alive (Brown).
Predation
The Amethystine Python and the Estuarine Crocodile are two of the Daintrees top predators. The pythons prey on small animals, and are able to hunt even at night with their heightened infrared capabilities. Estuarine Crocodiles, however, prey on much larger animals like pigs, as well as smaller animals like fish and turtles (Chambers).
Competition
The thick canopy of leaves and branches that is characteristic of rainforests lead to the competition of plants for sunlight. The canopy covers the ground, making it difficult for smaller plants to reach the top. Plants like the Staghorn fern are able to use the tall trees to their advantage, reaching the sunlight much easier than other types of plants in the Daintree (Daintree Rainforest Plants).
Informational Sources in APA Format
Bradtke, B. (n.d.). Australian Saltwater Crocodiles - Pictures And Facts About The Saltwater Crocodile. Retrieved November 30, 2016, from http://www.outback-australia-travel-secrets.com/saltwater-crocodiles.html
Brown, K. (n.d.). Nature on Trail: Forest Ecosystems. Retrieved November 21, 2016, from http://www.wta.org/hiking-info/nature-on-trail/nature-on-trail-forest-ecosystems
Chambers, J., & Ramsey, D. (n.d.). ! Amethystine Python ! Tropical Rainforest, North Queensland, Australia. Retrieved November 30, 2016, from http://rainforest-australia.com/Amethystine_Python.htm
Commensalism. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2016, from http://www.transtutors.com/biology-homework-help/zoology/commensalism/
Daintree Rainforest Plants. (n.d.). Retrieved November 30, 2016, from http://www.daintreerainforestinformation.com/Daintree_Plants.html
Messersmith, J. (2009, September 7). Back to Nob Nob Mountain. Retrieved November 30, 2016, from http://www.messersmith.name/wordpress/tag/staghorn-fern/
Rainforest Canopy - Palm Cove Tropic Apartments. (2013, November 4). Retrieved November 30, 2016, from http://palmcovetropic.com.au/daintree-rainforest/daintree-discovery-centre/
Rottink, B. (February 19). Stemflow: Tiny Rivers of Life. Retrieved November 22, 2016, from https://tryoncreek.wordpress.com/tag/nitrogen/
Brown, K. (n.d.). Nature on Trail: Forest Ecosystems. Retrieved November 21, 2016, from http://www.wta.org/hiking-info/nature-on-trail/nature-on-trail-forest-ecosystems
Chambers, J., & Ramsey, D. (n.d.). ! Amethystine Python ! Tropical Rainforest, North Queensland, Australia. Retrieved November 30, 2016, from http://rainforest-australia.com/Amethystine_Python.htm
Commensalism. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2016, from http://www.transtutors.com/biology-homework-help/zoology/commensalism/
Daintree Rainforest Plants. (n.d.). Retrieved November 30, 2016, from http://www.daintreerainforestinformation.com/Daintree_Plants.html
Messersmith, J. (2009, September 7). Back to Nob Nob Mountain. Retrieved November 30, 2016, from http://www.messersmith.name/wordpress/tag/staghorn-fern/
Rainforest Canopy - Palm Cove Tropic Apartments. (2013, November 4). Retrieved November 30, 2016, from http://palmcovetropic.com.au/daintree-rainforest/daintree-discovery-centre/
Rottink, B. (February 19). Stemflow: Tiny Rivers of Life. Retrieved November 22, 2016, from https://tryoncreek.wordpress.com/tag/nitrogen/