| Introduction |
A type of relationship in which both species get benefit from each other. |
A type of relationship in which one species get benefits and the other species is neither benefited nor harmed |
| Dependency |
High mutual dependence |
Lower dependence |
| Evolutionary significance |
Often leads to coevolution, where both species evolve adaptations to enhance mutual benefits |
Less likely may lead to coevolution in some cases |
| Cost to participants |
Participants incur a cost for the benefit of the partner, but the overall result is positive |
The benefiting species gains without imposing significant costs or benefits on the other |
| Specificity |
Can be highly specific, with each partner having evolved specific adaptations for the other |
Can be less specific, with the benefiting species exploiting various hosts or environments |
| Duration |
Usually involves close and long-term interactions |
Can be more temporary or opportunistic, depending on circumstances |
| Examples |
· Pollination by animals (e.g., bees and flowers)
· Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in legume roots
· Human gut bacteria aiding in digestion |
· Birds nesting in trees without affecting the trees
· Remoras hitching a ride on sharks |
