Symbiosis

Symbiosis is a biological interaction between two different species, where they live in close physical proximity to each other. This interaction can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful to one or both of the species involved.

Types of Symbiosis:

1. Mutualism: Both species benefit from the interaction. For example, bees and flowers have a mutualistic relationship where the bees obtain nectar from the flowers for food, while the flowers benefit from the pollination performed by the bees.
2. Commensalism: One species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed. An example is the relationship between barnacles and whales, where the barnacles attach themselves to the whale's skin and benefit from being transported to food-rich areas, while the whale is unaffected.
3. Parasitism: One species benefits at the expense of the other. An example is the relationship between ticks and mammals, where the ticks feed on the blood of the host animal, causing harm to the host.

Study Guide:

1. What is symbiosis?
2. What are the three types of symbiotic relationships?
3. Provide an example of mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.
4. How do the species involved benefit or suffer in each type of symbiosis?
5. What are some other examples of symbiotic relationships in nature?

Understanding symbiosis is important in understanding how different species interact and depend on each other within ecosystems.