Symbiosis

What is Symbiosis?

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.

Types of Symbiosis

Mutualism – Both species benefit.
Parasitism – One benefits, other harmed.
Commensalism – One benefits, other unaffected.

Effects on Species

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.

Are Predation & Competition Symbiosis?

Predation – Short-term, predator kills prey (not symbiosis).
Competition – Both harmed, not close living (not symbiosis).

Comparison Table

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.