Science
What is Symbiosis?
Symbiosis is a close, long-term relationship between two different species. It can benefit both (mutualism), benefit one without harming the other (commensalism), or benefit one at the other's expense (parasitism) — shaping ecosystems everywhere.
See it, don’t just read it.
Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains symbiosis.
Key things to understand
- 1It's a close relationship between two different species.
- 2Mutualism: both benefit (like bees and flowers).
- 3Commensalism: one benefits, the other is unaffected.
- 4Parasitism: one benefits at the other's expense.
Frequently asked questions
- What is symbiosis?
- A close, long-term interaction between two different species, which may help or harm each.
- What are the types of symbiosis?
- Mutualism (both benefit), commensalism (one benefits, one unaffected), and parasitism (one benefits, one harmed).
- What's an example of symbiosis?
- Bees and flowers (mutualism), or a tapeworm in a host (parasitism).