Symbiosis

Symbiosis: Any type of a close and long-term biological interaction between two different biological organisms, be it mutualistic, commensalistic, or parasitic. Symbiosis is a relationship where at least one of the two organisms benefits. Symbiosis relationships can be found almost anywhere on the planet.

Watch the video below to learn more about the types of Symbiosis:

Mutualism:

Mutualism describes an ecological relationship with two different species where both of them benefit.

(Win/Win)

Commensalism:

Commensalism describes a long-term biological interaction where one of the two species has a benefit and the other doesn't benefit or is neither harmed.

(Win/Meh)

Parasitism:

Parasitism is a relationship where one organism, a parasite, lives inside or on another organism, causing it harm and most likely death.

(Win/Loose)

Here are some examples of symbiosis relationships that are found in the Everglades National Park:

Mutualism:

The American Alligator and the bird

A bird flies into the alligators mouth. They pick out small pieces of food left in its teeth, and ultimatly they are known to clean the gator's teeth. This relationship is mutualistic because both of the organisms benefit, as the alligator gets its teeth cleaned and the bird gets a meal.

Commensalism:

The Oyster and the Red mangrove

Red mangroves facilitate oysters by providing protection from sedimentation and offering a stable refuge during storms. The oyster takes shelter in the red mangroves, and the mangroves are neither helped or harmed. This a commensalistic relationship.

Parasitism:

Algae and the Lichens

Algae that lives off the lichens is an example of parasitism. Lichen is a composite of fungi and fungi cannot produce their own food, while algae can. Algae produces its food through photosynthesis. So, since fungi cannot produce it's own food, lichens provides a protective exterior surface for the algae, so that it can exist in the sun and produce food for the both of them. This symbiotic relationship is known as parasitism.

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