What is symbiosis in biology? The definition and examples of symbiosis

What is symbiosis in biology? This is a kind of an unspoken agreement between two or more individuals belonging to completely different species. Such cooperation can take the form of mutualism, commensalism and parasitism. Organisms in this case are called symbionts.

What is symbiosis in biology: definition

Symbiosis is any association between two different kinds of populations. His study is the quintessence of systemic biology, which unites not only all levels of biological analysis, from molecular to ecological, but also studies the interrelationships among organisms in the three domains of life. The development of this area is still at its early stage, but in the near future the results will not be long in coming.

Kinds of symbiosis

What is symbiosis in biology (Grade 5)? Symbiosis is a relationship between two or more organisms living in close contact with each other. Interaction occurs when two species live in one place and one or both benefit from the other. Under this definition, predation indirectly falls, since it can also be considered as a kind of symbiosis.

Indeed, one of the types of symbiosis, parasitism, is simply a special form of predation. Despite this, ecologists classify predation and symbiosis as two different types of interactions. There are three main types of symbiotic interactions. This is mutualism, parasitism, commensalism.

Mutualism

Mutualism is one of the most famous and most ecologically significant types of symbiosis. In such relations, for example, insects and plants (pollination) consist . Such cooperation is favorable and mutually beneficial for both sides. Insects, birds and even some mammals in the form of nectar get their own food. The plant, on the other hand, receives a large reproductive advantage, namely - they have the opportunity to transfer their pollen to other plants.

Since plants do not often find themselves together, it is problematic for them to perform reproductive function without intermediaries. In this case, symbiosis is simply vital for them, and in the full sense of the word. Without pollinators, many plants could simply gradually disappear. On the other hand, without pollinating plants, many insects themselves would be in great trouble. This is really a win-win alliance.

Examples of symbiosis in biology are not limited to this. Another fascinating version of beneficial cooperation can be seen in the relationship of some species of ants and aphids. Aphids are tiny, soft insects that feed on plant sap, and as a waste, they secrete a certain portion of sugar and water. This becomes a suitable food for some species of ants. In turn, ants often transfer them to a new location, thus providing additional power supplies.

Parasitism

What is symbiosis in biology? This cooperation, however, it can not always be of use only. Parasitic relations, unlike mutualistic ones, always imply inequality of interests. In fact, these relationships always have the form of a win-loss. Sometimes with a loser, nothing happens, often this cooperation manifests itself in the form of discomfort, in some cases parasitism can lead to death.

There are many different types of parasites, but they fall into two main types. Some arrange their home within the body of their hosts, in which they live, while others feed on the surface.

The first type is called endoparasites, these protozoa can cause diarrhea and severe pain, litter the lymph nodes and cause limb tumors (elephantiasis). The second type, the so-called ectoparasites, also harms the wearer. These include lice, mosquitoes and others, these pests get shelter, food, and at this time, their host gets harm of varying degrees.

Commensalism

What is symbiosis in biology? First of all, this cooperation. One of the most rare types of symbiosis is commensalism. In this case, only one side benefits. The second from such an arrangement is neither hot nor cold. Finding out his examples is a rather difficult task. However, several examples can be given.

Commensalism is the union of two or more partners living together, where only one benefits from partnership, and the other simply remains unharmed. For example, tiny inhabitants of the ocean depths, known as clusters and anemones, are attached in a special way to larger inhabitants (whales and sharks) and eat any food at their expense. Missed the smallest particles of food are immediately absorbed by "good" parasites. In such relationships are also actinia and a clownfish.

An example of commensalism can be demonstrated by some desert lizards who find their place of residence in abandoned rat or snake burrows. Lizards get shelter, while another animal receives nothing in return.

What is symbiosis in biology? In simple words, it can be said that this is a positive, negative or neutral cooperation between different types of organisms.