Symbiotic interactions of plants

Contents & notes: what this topic covers

Under Symbiotic interactions of plants, the JAMB Biology syllabus expects you to study:

• 2. Symbiotic interactions of plants and animals
• (a) Energy flow in the ecosystem: food chains, food webs and trophic levels.
• (b) Nutrient cycling in nature.
• i. carbon cycle ii. water cycle iii. Nitrogen cycle

Study notes & guidance

Study Symbiotic interactions of plants using a recommended Biology textbook that follows the JAMB syllabus. Work through the contents listed above one by one, make brief notes in your own words, and then practise as many questions on this topic as you can — in Biology, understanding and steady practice matter far more than memorising. Use the objectives below as a checklist: if you can do each one confidently, you have mastered this topic.

Objectives — candidates should be able to

After studying Symbiotic interactions of plants, you should be able to:

1. Determine appropriate examples of symbiosis, parasitism, saprophytism, commensalism, mutualism, amensalism, competition, predation and cooperation among organisms.
2. Explain the distribution of organisms with food chains and food webs in particular habitats.
3. Define chains and webs
4. Describe the carbon cycle and its significance including the balance of atmospheric oxygen and carbon (IV) oxide and global warming.
5. Assess the effects of water cycle on other nutrient cycles.
6. Relate the roles of bacteria and leguminous plants in the cycling of nitrogen.

These objectives are from the official JAMB syllabus. Use them as a checklist — if you can do each one confidently, you have mastered this topic.

Source: official JAMB UTME Biology syllabus (IBASS, jamb.gov.ng). Reproduced for study use. Last checked: 17 Sept 2026. Always confirm the current syllabus on the official portal.