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Diagram of the six possible types of symbiotic relationship, from mutual benefit to mutual harm. The definition of symbiosis was a matter of debate for 130 years. [7] In 1877, Albert Bernhard Frank used the term symbiosis to describe the mutualistic relationship in lichens.
Ectosymbiosis is defined as a symbiotic relationship in which one organism lives on the outside surface of a different organism. [3] For instance, barnacles on whales is an example of an ectosymbiotic relationship where the whale provides the barnacle with a home, a ride, and access to food.
Mutualism is an interaction between two or more species, where species derive a mutual benefit, for example an increased carrying capacity. Similar interactions within a species are known as co-operation. Mutualism may be classified in terms of the closeness of association, the closest being symbiosis, which is often confused with mutualism.
Each symbiotic relationship displays a unique ecological niche, which in turn can lead to entirely new species of host species and symbiont. [ 3 ] It is particularly interesting that it took so long to discover the marine microbial symbiosis because nearly every surface submerged in the oceans becomes covered with biofilm , [ 6 ] including a ...
The Rhizobia-Legume symbiosis (bacteria-plant endosymbiosis) is a prime example of this modality. [21] The Rhizobia-legume symbiotic relationship is important for processes such as the formation of root nodules. It starts with flavonoids released by the legume host, which causes the rhizobia species (endosymbiont) to activate its Nod genes. [21]
Despite a different definition between mutualism and symbiosis, they have been largely used interchangeably in the past, and confusion on their use has persisted. [6] Mutualism plays a key part in ecology and evolution. For example, mutualistic interactions are vital for terrestrial ecosystem function as:
A symbiosis is a prolonged, close association between organisms, and some examples of mutualistic symbioses include: Gut flora Associations between a host species and a microbe living in the host's digestive tract , wherein the host provides habitat and nourishment to the microbe in exchange for digestive services.
The only known freshwater bivalve with a symbiotic relationship are in the genus Anodonta which hosts the chlorophyte Chlorella in the gills and mantle of the host. [41] In bivalves, photosymbiosis is thought to have evolved twice, in the genus Anodonta and in the family Cardiidae. [ 42 ]