Question

Explain symbiosis with suitable examples.

Hint:

Symbiosis types: Mutualism = Both benefit.
Commensalism = One benefits, other unaffected.
Parasitism = One benefits, other harmed.

Answer 1

Symbiosis is a close and long-term biological interaction between two different species. It can be beneficial, harmful, or neutral to the organisms involved. Based on the nature of the interaction, symbiotic relationships are classified into three main types: mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.

Types of symbiosis with examples:

• Mutualism: Both species benefit.
  Example: Lichen (fungus and algae), where algae provide food, and fungi offer support.
• Commensalism: One species benefits while the other is neither harmed nor benefited.
  Example: Barnacles on whales.
• Parasitism: One species benefits at the expense of the other.
  Example: Tapeworm in the human intestine.