Symbiosis & Symbiotic Organisms
Symbiosis is a relationship of mutual benefit that exists between certain organisms. Given alongside is an example of symbiosis seen in animals. Here, the two organisms are the sea anemone (above) that fixes itself on a hermit crab. The former is said to have stinging cells that it uses to defend itself against any prey that attacks it. Hermit crabs carry sea anemones, which are stuck to their shells, around with them. In fact, they are known to pick up sea anemones and ‘plant’ them on their backs, and when they move to another shell (as hermit crabs are known to do!), they take their resident sea anemone with them! This relationship is said to be of "mutual benefit" or a "symbiotic relationship" as it is benefit for both partners; the sea anemone eats food particles left by the crab, and the crab is protected from its enemies, particularly octopuses, by the stinging cells of the sea anemone.
Nitrogen fixing bacteria living in the nodules of leguminous plants are another example of such a relationship. We could learn a lot from them!!! Do you know of two plants that have such a relationship??? Find out!!!
Nitrogen fixing bacteria living in the nodules of leguminous plants are another example of such a relationship. We could learn a lot from them!!! Do you know of two plants that have such a relationship??? Find out!!!