Trophobiosis (Noun)
Meaning
A symbiotic relation in which one organism protects the other in return for some kind of food product.
Classification
Nouns denoting relations between people or things or ideas.
Examples
- The relationship between aphids and ants is a classic example of trophobiosis, where the ants protect the aphids from predators in exchange for a sweet, sticky liquid called honeydew.
- Trophobiosis is a common phenomenon in coral reefs, where certain species of fish and crustaceans receive protection from predators by living among the stinging tentacles of the coral.
- The caterpillars of certain butterfly species engage in trophobiosis with ants, which protect them from predators in exchange for a sweet, nutritious liquid secreted by the caterpillars.
- Some species of beetles have evolved a trophobiotic relationship with certain species of fungi, which provide the beetles with nutrients in exchange for protection from other insects.
- In certain species of wasps, the larvae engage in trophobiosis with ants, which protect them from predators in exchange for a sweet, protein-rich liquid secreted by the larvae.