Ecological relationships consist of two main types: symbiotic and oppositional. Symbiotic relationships include mutualism, commensalism, amensalism, and parasitism, where species interact with varying levels of benefit or harm. Oppositional relationships involve predation, where one organism eats another for nutrients, and competition for limited resources between individuals or populations within or between species. Examples provided include zebras and birds benefiting from mutualism, clownfish sheltering in sea anemones through commensalism, and lions competing with hyenas for prey.