What does symbiosis refer to?

Symbiosis describes a close ecological relationship between two or more different species, highlighting the interconnectedness of various organisms in an environment. This relationship can take several forms, including mutualism, where both species benefit; commensalism, where one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed; and parasitism, where one species benefits at the expense of the other.

Understanding symbiosis is fundamental in ecology because it illustrates how species coexist and interact, affecting each other's survival and reproduction. For instance, in a mutualistic relationship, flowering plants and pollinators like bees demonstrate how symbiosis can be critical for ecosystem health, promoting biodiversity and the stability of natural habitats.

This concept is distinct from competition, food chains, and migration, which involve different ecological interactions or processes. Therefore, the definition of symbiosis as a close relationship between different species encompasses a wide array of interactions that are vital for ecosystems' functioning.