Question

What is symboisis? Give a broad outline of various types of positive interactions among organisms.

Answer 1

• Symbiosis is any type of a close and long-term biological interaction between two different biological organisms, be it mutualistic, commensalistic, or parasitic.
• Symbiosis is also classified by physical attachment; symbiosis in which the organisms have bodily union is called conjunctive symbiosis, and symbiosis in which they are not in union is called disjunctive symbiosis.
• Mutualism or interspecies reciprocal altruism is a long-term relationship between individuals of different species where both individuals benefit.
• Mutualistic relationships may be either obligate for both species, obligate for one but facultative for the other, or facultative for both.
  
• Commensalism describes a relationship between two living organisms where one benefits and the other is not significantly harmed or helped.