Symbiosis

Symbiosis is when two or more things live together, working hand in hand in everyday life. In many cases, it is love at first sight, albeit in a friendly way.

The southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) and the small bird (Aves diminutis) engaging in symbiotic behavior

Examples

Clownfish and sea anemones have formed a long-term bond with each other. Clownfish feed on small invertebrates that would otherwise inflict damage on the host sea anemone, while the sea anemone protects the clownfish from predators using its stinging cells. Clownfish are immune to the sting. Clownfish can also deter butterflyfish that would eat the host sea anemone. This is mutualism at its finest. The spider jockey is another famous form of mutualism. Both the spider and the skeleton have one mission, and it's to kill their target.

Pollinators are keystone species, being responsible for everything in nature.

The shuttling of passengers by train is a commensalistic relationship common in countless cities. Similarly, the driver forms a mutualistic relationship with the train.

In a less common example of commensalism, remoras spend most of their lives clinging on to larger animals, such as sharks, whales, sea turtles, and rays.

Molten Copper and Toast Blob, th

Parasitism can be harmful to the host animal. Ticks are no exception, but thankfully there's an oxpecker cleanup crew somewhere!