Symbiosis (Noun)
Meaning
The relation between two different species of organisms that are interdependent; each gains benefits from the other.
Classification
Nouns denoting relations between people or things or ideas.
Examples
- The clownfish and the sea anemone have a symbiotic relationship, where the fish is protected from predators and the anemone receives cleaning and aeration services.
- The oxpecker bird has a symbiotic relationship with the rhinoceros, as it eats ticks and other parasites from the rhino's skin, while the rhino provides the bird with food and protection.
- In coral reefs, a symbiotic relationship exists between coral polyps and single-celled algae called zooxanthellae, where the polyps provide shelter and nutrients and the algae photosynthesize and produce oxygen.
- Fungi and tree roots often have a symbiotic relationship, as the fungi help the trees absorb water and nutrients from the soil, and the trees provide the fungi with carbohydrates produced by photosynthesis.
- A classic example of symbiosis is the relationship between bees and flowers, where the bees obtain nectar and pollen from the flowers, and the flowers are pollinated by the bees.