Ocean Partners

This passage explores how sea turtles interact with other species through mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism. It provides examples such as cleaner fish that eat algae from turtle shells and barnacles that attach for travel. The text also mentions harmful relationships with parasites like leeches and worms. It concludes by emphasizing how these interactions keep marine ecosystems balanced.

Students develop skills in classifying relationships and identifying mutual benefit versus harm. They practice reading comprehension through examples of ecological interaction. The passage enhances vocabulary with terms like commensalism, parasitism, and ecosystem balance. Such readings deepen understanding of interdependence in the natural world.