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 twodifferent 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 take long to wait.
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, it's just 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 andthe most environmentally important 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,then 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 on this are notare limited. 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 juice, 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, the 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 a loser does not happen, often this cooperation manifests itself in the form of discomfort, in some cases parasitism can lead to death.
There are many different kinds of parasites, but theyare divided 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, theseprotozoa can cause diarrhea and severe pain, litter the lymph nodes and cause limb tumors (elephantiasis). The second type, the so-called ectoparasites, also harms its carrier. These include lice, mosquitoes and others, these pests get shelter, food, and at this time their master gets harm of varying degrees.
Commensalism
What is symbiosis in biology? First of all, this cooperation. One of the most rare types of symbiosis in nature is commensalism. In this case, only one side benefits. The second from such an arrangement is neither hot nor cold. To find out his examples is a rather difficult task. However, several examples can be given.
Commensalism is the union of two or morepartners 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 clownfish.
