Symbiotic (Adjective)
Meaning
Used of organisms (especially of different species) living together but not necessarily in a relation beneficial to each.
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The clownfish and the sea anemone have a symbiotic relationship, with the fish receiving protection from predators and the anemone getting cleaned by the fish.
- The tapeworm and its host have a symbiotic relationship, with the tapeworm living inside the host's digestive system and feeding on nutrients.
- In the forest, fungi and tree roots often form symbiotic relationships, with the fungi helping the trees absorb nutrients from the soil.
- Aphids and ants have a symbiotic relationship, with the ants protecting the aphids from predators in exchange for a sweet, sticky liquid produced by the aphids.
- Corals and zooxanthellae have a symbiotic relationship, with the zooxanthellae providing nutrients to the corals through photosynthesis and the corals providing the zooxanthellae with a safe, sunlit environment.