Symbiosis

Symbiosis refers to close interactions between individuals of different species that can be temporary or long term. These interactions can affect the survival and distribution of the species involved.

There are three main types of symbiotic relationships: commensalism, mutualism, and parasitism.

In commensalism, one species benefits, while the other is neither helped nor harmed. For example, when an elephant walks through tall grass, it disturbs insects. These insects become easy prey for nearby birds such as crows. The birds benefit, while the elephant is not affected.

In mutualism, both species benefit from the interaction. For example, in some forests, tree frogs and spiders share holes in trees. The frogs eat ants that would otherwise prey on the spider’s eggs. In return, the spiders protect the frogs from larger predators such as snakes.

In parasitism, one species benefits, but the other is harmed. For example, a tick feeding on the blood of a lion gains nutrients, while the lion is harmed.