Symbiotic Relationship

What is symbiotic relationship?

The term “ symbiosis “ comes from 2 Greek words “ syn “ ( together ) and “ bios “ ( life ) which means living together so symbiotic relationship is a close relation or interaction between two or more organisms belonging to two different species having common intrest it might be for shelter , nutrients , reproduction or survival depending on the needs.

Conditions required for symbiotic relationship : -

Some specific environmental and biological factors are responsible for symbiotic relationship , They are:-

• Proximity - Both the organisms should be closely associated or there should be close physical contact

• Interdependence - Both the species should rely on each other for their survival

• Long term - The relationship should be able to persist over long periods

• Compatibility - Both the species should be able to coexist and should have a co evolutionary relationship. There biological systems should complement each other or it should not react against each other.

Types of symbiotic relationship :-

There are several types of symbiotic relationship depending on the time period, benefits to the organisms and the place on which they live.

So based on the time period and the dependency symbiotic relationship is of 3 types. They are :

• Obligatory Symbiosis :

In this both the organisms can not live without each other or independently as they are completely interdependent.

Ex :- Lichen ( symbiotic relationship between algae and fungi) , Termites and cellulosic protozoa etc

• Facultative symbiosis :

The name itself suggests that it is facultative or not mandatory, this means both the organisms can live independently without symbiosis and can live freely.

Ex :- Remora fish and sharks Remora fish can find other organisms for shelter) , Oxapeckers and Rhinoceros

• Temporary symbiosis :

Both the organisms depends on each other temporarily

Ex :- Branchels and whales , Ticks and Mammals ( temporary attachment)

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Remora fish and sharks Remora fish

Ticks and Mammals

Based on the place of living symbiotic relationship is of following types:-

• Endosymbiosis - In this one species lives inside another for food or shelter . Some times it harms the other organism and some times it lives without causing any harm.

Ex- Mitochondria inside cell

Plasmodium inside mosquito

• Ectosymbiosis - In this type one species lives on the surface of the other organism .

Ex - Lichen

• Microsymbios - In this type micro organisms interact with each other

Ex - gut microbiome

Based on the type of interaction whether anyone is harmed or benefited or both are benefited , symbiosis is of following types :-

• Mutualism : In this type Both the species get mutually benefited and interact mutually for the survival.

Examples:

Clownfish and sea anemone

Bees and flowers

Oxpeckers and rhinoceros

Coral and algae

Fungi and tree roots (mycorrhizal)

• Commensalism : In this relationship one species gets benefitted and the other is neither benefitted nor harmed , it's remain unaffected in the relationship.

Examples:

- Remora fish and sharks (Remora fish get to eat leftovers while Shark remains unaffected )

- Orchids and trees ( trees remain unaffected but orchids get support for growth)

- Barnacles and whales ( whales remain unaffected)

Cattle egrets and grazing animals

• Parasitism: In this one species gets benefitted while other get harmed .

Examples:

-Tapeworms and humans ( tapeworm gets food and shelter while human suffers from disease)

- Lice and humans ( lice gets shelter and nutrition but human get infections)

- Fleas and dogs

- Mosquitoes and animals

- Ticks and Mammals

Conclusion : -

Symbiotic relationship many times helps in a peaceful living where both the organisms gets benefitted and some times it results in harming one species.

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