What is symbiosis? Please list 3 different types of symbiosis.
Symbiosis is a close and long-term interaction between two different species, often resulting in mutual benefit.
Three different types of symbiosis are:
1. Mutualism - Both species involved benefit from the interaction. For example, bees and flowers have a mutualistic relationship where bees receive nectar as food, while the flowers get pollinated.
2. Commensalism - One species benefits from the interaction, while the other species is not significantly affected. An example of commensalism is the relationship between barnacles and whales, where barnacles attach themselves to the whale's skin and feed on the nutrients in the water, but the whale is not harmed.
3. Parasitism - One species benefits from the interaction (the parasite), while the other species (the host) is harmed. A classic example of parasitism is the relationship between ticks and mammals, where ticks feed on the blood of the host and can transmit diseases.