What Is Symbiosis, and How Does It Affect Nature?
Symbiosis is a close relationship between two different living things. There are three main kinds of symbiosis:
Mutualism: Both species gain something good. For example, bees help flowers grow by spreading their pollen while getting nectar to eat. About 80% of flowering plants need pollinators like bees to survive!
Commensalism: One species benefits, and the other is not helped or hurt. A good example is barnacles that stick to whales. The barnacles get more food, but the whale is usually unaffected.
Parasitism: One organism takes advantage of another. Sadly, this means one benefits while the other suffers. It’s estimated that around 40% of animal species are parasites.
In general, symbiosis is important because it helps increase the variety of life, keeps ecosystems healthy, and affects where different species live.
What Is Symbiosis, and How Does It Affect Nature?
Symbiosis is a close relationship between two different living things. There are three main kinds of symbiosis:
Mutualism: Both species gain something good. For example, bees help flowers grow by spreading their pollen while getting nectar to eat. About 80% of flowering plants need pollinators like bees to survive!
Commensalism: One species benefits, and the other is not helped or hurt. A good example is barnacles that stick to whales. The barnacles get more food, but the whale is usually unaffected.
Parasitism: One organism takes advantage of another. Sadly, this means one benefits while the other suffers. It’s estimated that around 40% of animal species are parasites.
In general, symbiosis is important because it helps increase the variety of life, keeps ecosystems healthy, and affects where different species live.