Symbiosis is a type of a biological interaction between two different organisms living in close physical association.
Types of symbiosis
Mutualism:
When different species live together in such a way that both organisms benefit from the relationship.
For example, bees and flowers; bees get nectar from flowers, while flowers get pollinated. Mutualism in aphid and ants
Aphid and ant showing mutualistic interaction
Aphid is a small sap sucking insect. It secretes “honeydew” a thick liquid that is sweet in nature it is the by-product of their digestion or wastage materials of their body. Ants feed on honeydew by their small tentacles, in return ants protect aphid from predator by forming boundary around it and take their eggs and nymph to underground area for protection
Commensalism:
When two different species live together in such a way that one organism benefits, and the other is neither helped nor harmed. An example is barnacles on a whale; the barnacles get transportation to food sources, while the whale is unaffected.
Goby fish live on the sea animals they change in color and adapt the similarity of color with that animal hence, they protect themselves from predator. Certain birds build their nests in trees. The tree provides a safe place for the birds to live, while the tree itself is unaffected by the presence of the nest.
Parasitism:
When two different organisms in such a way that one organism gets benefit and other gets lost. An example is a tapeworm in a human's intestines, where the tapeworm absorbs nutrients at the host's expense.
Ticks attach themselves to mammals, such as deer or dogs, and feed on their blood. The tick benefits by getting nourishment, while the host suffers from blood loss and potential diseases transmitted by the tick.
Mistletoe plants attach to tree branches and extract water and nutrients from the tree, weakening the tree over time while benefiting the mistletoe.
SYMBIOSIS IN ANIMAL KINGDOM IS JUST LIKE THE PARTNERSHIP OF ANIMALS TO IMPROVE OUR ECOLOGY
PARTNERSHIP AND THEIR ECOLOGICAL IMPACT
Mutualism in shrimp and goby fish is seen in coral reef. The shrimp digs and maintains a burrow in the sand, providing a safe home for both the shrimp and the goby. In return, the goby plays a role to alert from predators, alerting the shrimp to danger with tail flicks. Goby fish and pistol shrimp form a mutualistic relationship in coral reef ecosystems. This partnership enhances the survival of both species, contributing to the diversity and stability of coral reef ecosystems.
Mutualism in a Cleaner fish, such as cleaner wrasses with larger fish, including predatory species like groupers. The cleaner fish remove parasites, dead skin, and debris from the larger fish's body, mouth, and gills. This relationship helps maintain the health of marine populations by reducing parasite levels. Cleaner fish receive food and protection from predators, while larger fish benefit from improved health and hygiene
Mutualism in acacia trees and certain species of the ants with food (in the form of nectar) and shelter within its hollow thorns. In return, the ants protect the tree from herbivores and clear competing vegetation. This partnership allows the acacia tree to thrive in competitive environments, while the ants get the protected environment and food from it. The relationship also influences plant community dynamics by giving the acacia a competitive edge.
Small birds native to the African savanna, have a unique relationship with large herbivores like zebras and buffaloes. The birds perch on these animals and feed on ticks, dead skin, and parasites. This mutualistic relationship helps decrease the parasitic germs from herbivores, and protect them from disease. The birds get benefit from a consistent food source, while the herbivores gain protection from pests.
ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Symbiosis contributes to the stability of ecosystems by promoting balanced interactions among species.
Nutrient cycling
The Symbiotic microorganism play a crucial role in nutrient cycling. Nitrogen fixing bacteria having symbiotic relationship convert atmospheric nitrogen present in root of leguminous soil into the form that plant can use, enriching the soil and benefiting other plants in the ecosystem.
Boost plant growth
Mycorrhiza fungi helping plant to absorb water and nutrient like phosphorous from the soil form mutualistic relationships with plant roots, In return, the fungi receive carbohydrates from the plants. This relationship boosts plant growth and health, which in turn supports the entire food web.
Provide shelter
Animals find food, shelter, and protection by Symbiotic relationships. For instance, cleaner fish or birds remove parasites from larger animals, benefiting from the food source while the larger animals stay healthy and free from harmful parasites.
Bees recieving nector or pollens from flowers
Pollination
Many plants depend on animals, such as bees, birds, and bats, for pollination, a mutualistic relationship where plants get to reproduce and animals receive nectar or pollen as food. Pollination is essential for the reproduction of flowering plants, which are a significant part of terrestrial ecosystems and human agriculture.
Support mechanism
Some organisms having in symbiotic relationships provide defence against predators. For example, ants live in the hollow thorns of the acacia tree and protect the tree from herbivores. In return, the tree provides the ants with food and shelter.
Diversity of species
Mutualism, parasitism, and commensalism, contribute to the diversity of species in an ecosystem. These relationships permit a variety of organisms to coexist and thrive in the same environment, promoting biodiversity.
Provide Stable ecosystem
It increases the ecosystem capacity to withstand in any change of environment. For example, coral reefs depend on the mutualistic relationship between coral polyps and photosynthetic algae. The algae provide energy to the corals through photosynthesis, and the corals provide the algae with a protected environment and the compounds they need for photosynthesis. This relationship is crucial for the survival of coral reefs, which are important marine ecosystems.
Comments
Post a Comment