Symbiosis Definition
Symbiosis comes from two Greek words that indicate “with” and “living.” It describes an ecological relationship between two organisms from different species that are sometimes, but not always, beneficial to both parties.
Symbiosis is a developed interaction or close living relationship between organisms from different species, usually with benefits to one or both of the individuals included.
Symbiosis may be ‘obligate’, in this case, the relationship between the two species is so synergistic, that each of the organisms is not able to endure without the other, or ‘facultative’, in which the two species engage in a cooperative partnership through choice, and can survive individually or can live without others.
Types of Symbiosis
There are a number of species of symbiosis to consider when searching for symbiosis examples. Each type is frequently discovered in an environment; however, some are more general and common than others. The most common types of symbiosis consist of:
1.Mutualism
Mutualisms are a type of symbiosis in which both cooperative partners take advantage of the interaction, frequently resulting in considerable physical fitness gain for either one or both parties. Mutualisms can take the form of resource-resource relationships, service-resource relationships, or service-service relationships.
- Resource-resource mutualisms (likewise known as ‘trophic mutualisms’) take place through the exchange of one resource for another in between the two organisms involved.
Example: The fungi colonize the plants roots and are provided with carbs, sucrose, and glucose. In exchange, the plant takes advantage of the fungi’s higher water and mineral absorption capabilities.
- Service-resource mutualisms occur when the cooperative partner supplies service in exchange for a resource reward.
Example: Among the best-known examples of this is the exchange between plants and their pollinators.
- An unusual type of mutualistic symbiosis can be found in the kind of service-service interactions. As the name indicates, both of the cooperative partners get a service, such as a shelter or defense from predators.
Example: The close relationship between clownfish and sea anemone provides both partners with defense from predators.
2.Commensalism
Commensalism is a symbiosis in which one organism takes advantage of, and is typically entirely based on, the other for food, shelter, or locomotion, with no apparent impact on the host. The relationship between whales and barnacles is an example of commensalism.
The barnacles connect themselves to the difficult skin of whales, and take advantage of widespread movement and direct exposure to currents, from which they feed, while the whale is relatively untouched by their presence.
Examples:
- Remora fish, a kind of suckerfish, attach themselves to sharks and other big fish. They detach when the larger fish feeds and consume the remaining scraps.
- Lots of weeds produce spiky burrs that connect to an animal’s hair or fur. As the animal travels, these burrs fall off, effectively distributing the plant’s seeds.
3.Parasitism
In parasitism, one organism gain from the relationship at the expense of the other. The parasitic organism may live inside another organism’s body (endoparasitism) or on its surface area (ectoparasitism). The host species often weakens and sometimes passes away, but in most cases, the parasite requires it to survive so it can keep taking food from it.
Examples of parasitic symbiosis include:
- Fleas and mosquitoes feed upon blood from other organisms. In this kind of parasitic relationship, the host needs to stay alive and it is not harmed considerably.
- Tapeworms live in the small intestines of animals. They consume the animal’s partially absorbed food, which bereaves the host of some food and nourishment.
- Head lice survive on small amounts of blood in the scalp. The host human feels irritation in their hair as the lice bite and move around.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the origin of the term “symbiosis”?
- A) Latin words meaning “living together”
- B) Greek words meaning “with” and “living”
- C) Sanskrit words meaning “mutual relationship”
- D) Arabic words meaning “shared existence”
- Answer: B
- How is symbiosis defined?
- A) Interaction between organisms of the same species
- B) Interaction between organisms of different species, always harmful
- C) Close living relationship between organisms of different species, sometimes beneficial
- D) Ecological relationship only found in aquatic environments
- Answer: C
- What does “obligate” symbiosis imply?
- A) Both organisms benefit from the relationship
- B) The relationship is not essential for the survival of either organism
- C) The relationship is so synergistic that each organism cannot survive without the other
- D) The relationship is based on mutual cooperation
- Answer: C
- Which type of symbiosis is characterized by both partners receiving a service, such as shelter or defense?
- A) Mutualism
- B) Commensalism
- C) Parasitism
- D) Facultative symbiosis
- Answer: A
- In resource-resource mutualism, what is exchanged between the cooperating organisms?
- A) Shelter for food
- B) Services for resources
- C) One resource for another
- D) Mutual protection
- Answer: C
- What is an example of service-resource mutualism?
- A) Clownfish and sea anemone
- B) Whales and barnacles
- C) Remora fish and sharks
- D) Fungi and plant roots
- Answer: A
- What characterizes commensalism in a symbiotic relationship?
- A) Both organisms benefit
- B) One organism benefits, and the other is harmed
- C) One organism benefits, and the other is unaffected
- D) Both organisms are harmed
- Answer: C
- Which symbiotic relationship involves one organism living inside another’s body?
- A) Mutualism
- B) Commensalism
- C) Endoparasitism
- D) Ectoparasitism
- Answer: C
- What is an example of ectoparasitism?
- A) Tapeworms in the small intestines
- B) Fleas and mosquitoes feeding on blood
- C) Head lice on the scalp
- D) Remora fish attaching to sharks
- Answer: C
- In parasitism, how does the relationship typically affect the host organism?
- A) The host benefits significantly
- B) The host is unharmed
- C) The host weakens, and in some cases, dies
- D) The host becomes stronger
- Answer: C
- Which type of mutualism involves the exchange of one resource for another?
- A) Resource-resource mutualism
- B) Service-resource mutualism
- C) Service-service mutualism
- D) Trophic mutualism
- Answer: A
- What is the primary characteristic of facultative symbiosis?
- A) Both organisms are harmed
- B) The relationship is essential for survival
- C) The relationship is based on mutual cooperation
- D) The relationship is a cooperative partnership through choice
- Answer: D
- What is the significance of the term “symbiosis” in ecological terms?
- A) It always involves harm to one of the organisms
- B) It indicates a casual interaction between organisms
- C) It describes a close living relationship between organisms of the same species
- D) It denotes a relationship between organisms of different species, sometimes beneficial
- Answer: D
- What type of symbiosis involves one organism benefiting at the expense of the other?
- A) Mutualism
- B) Commensalism
- C) Obligate symbiosis
- D) Parasitism
- Answer: D
- Which of the following is an example of commensalism?
- A) Clownfish and sea anemone
- B) Whales and barnacles
- C) Remora fish and sharks
- D) Head lice on the scalp
- Answer: B
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Symbiosis Definition, Types, and Examples
1. What is the origin of the term “symbiosis”?
- The term “symbiosis” comes from two Greek words that mean “with” and “living.”
2. How is symbiosis defined in ecological terms?
- Symbiosis is defined as an ecological relationship between two organisms from different species, sometimes beneficial to both parties.
3. What are the two main categories of symbiosis based on the nature of the relationship?
- Symbiosis can be ‘obligate,’ where the relationship is essential for the survival of both species, or ‘facultative,’ where the partnership is a cooperative choice, and the species can survive independently.
4. What is the key characteristic of ‘mutualism’ in symbiotic relationships?
- Mutualism is characterized by both cooperative partners benefiting from the interaction, resulting in significant fitness gain for either one or both parties.
5. Give an example of resource-resource mutualism.
- An example of resource-resource mutualism is the interaction between fungi and plant roots, where the fungi receive carbohydrates, sucrose, and glucose, and the plant benefits from the fungi’s higher water and mineral absorption capabilities.
6. What distinguishes commensalism from other types of symbiosis?
- Commensalism is a symbiosis where one organism benefits from the other for food, shelter, or locomotion, with no apparent impact on the host.
7. Provide an example of commensalism in nature.
- An example of commensalism is the relationship between remora fish and sharks, where the remora fish attach themselves to sharks, benefiting from the larger fish’s movement and feeding on remaining scraps.
8. How does parasitism differ from mutualism and commensalism?
- In parasitism, one organism benefits at the expense of the other. The parasitic organism may live inside (endoparasitism) or on the surface (ectoparasitism) of another organism, often causing harm or death to the host.
9. Give an example of ectoparasitism.
- An example of ectoparasitism is the relationship between head lice and humans, where lice survive on small amounts of blood from the scalp, causing irritation to the host.
10. Can symbiotic relationships be facultative?
- Yes, symbiotic relationships can be facultative, indicating a cooperative partnership by choice, where the species can survive independently or live without others.
Summary – Symbiosis Definition, Types, and Examples
The tutorial on symbiosis provides a comprehensive understanding of the concept, exploring its definition, types, and real-life examples. Symbiosis, derived from Greek words meaning “with” and “living,” signifies a close ecological relationship between organisms of different species, occasionally benefiting both parties. This relationship can be either ‘obligate,’ where survival is interdependent, or ‘facultative,’ indicating a cooperative choice.
Types of Symbiosis:
- Mutualism: A symbiotic relationship where both partners benefit, mutualism can involve resource exchange or service rewards. Noteworthy examples include fungi colonizing plant roots and clownfish seeking shelter from sea anemones.
- Commensalism: In this type of symbiosis, one organism benefits without impacting the host. An illustration is barnacles attaching to whales, benefiting from movement and currents.
- Parasitism: Parasitism involves one organism benefiting at the expense of the other. Parasites may live inside (endoparasitism) or on the surface (ectoparasitism) of a host. Examples include fleas feeding on blood and head lice surviving on the scalp.
The tutorial emphasizes the diversity of symbiotic relationships in nature, showcasing how organisms coexist, exchange resources, and interact for survival. Understanding these interactions enhances our appreciation of the intricate ecological web that sustains life.