Symbiosis is a close and long-term biological interaction between two different species living together. These relationships happen in nature where both species live in close proximity and affect each other in some way.
It includes: Mutualism, Parasitism, Commensalism.
| Type | Effect & Description |
|---|---|
| Mutualism | Both benefit (+/+). Example: bees & flowers. |
| Parasitism | One benefits, other harmed (+/-). Example: ticks on dogs. |
| Commensalism | One benefits, other unaffected (+/0). Example: barnacles on whales. |
| Interaction | Symbiosis? & Explanation |
|---|---|
| Mutualism | Yes — Long-term, both benefit. |
| Parasitism | Yes — Long-term, one benefits, other harmed. |
| Commensalism | Yes — Long-term, one benefits, other unaffected. |
| Predation | No — Short-term, predator kills prey. |
| Competition | No — Not close living, both harmed. |