Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - JHS 1

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Describe mutualism, parasitism, and commensalism.
• Explain how these associations affect habitats.
• Identify examples of each type in Ghana.

Lesson summary

In every Ghanaian community—whether it is a coastal town like Elmina, a forest area like Juaso, a savannah area like Tamale, or a wetland area like Muni-Pomadze—plants and animals do not live alone. They live together and interact in different ways. Some interactions help both organisms, some help one but harm the other, and some help one without affecting the other. These interactions are called associations. Understanding associations helps learners to: explain why certain organisms are found together (e.g., ants on mango trees), understand how diseases spread (e.g., ticks on dogs), protect habitats and improve farming, fishing, and livestock management.

Lesson notes

2.1 Meaning of “Association” in the Environment An association is a close relationship between two different organisms living in the same habitat, where at least one organism is affected (positively or negatively).

In Science, we often describe associations by asking: Who benefits? Who is harmed? Is anyone unaffected?

We use symbols to summarise effects: (+) benefits (−) harmed (0) unaffected

2.2 Types of Associations (Core for the Indicator) A. Mutualism (+ / +) Definition: A relationship where both organisms benefit.

Evaluation guide

• Describe the nature of associations such as mutualism, parasitism,
• commensalism among plants and animals and explain the effects on
• their habitats.
• Carry out research about the different ways that different plants and