Symbiotic relationship

A symbiotic relationship is a close, long-term interaction between two different species, where both benefit, both suffer, or one benefits while the other is unaffected. In mutualism, both species gain—for example, bees pollinate flowers while collecting nectar. In commensalism, one benefits without harming the other, like barnacles hitching a ride on whales. In parasitism, one benefits at the expense of the other, such as ticks feeding on animals. These relationships are vital for ecosystems, influencing survival, health, and biodiversity.