In science class, we are learning about symbiosis. Symbiosis is a close relationship between two organisms in which one organism lives near, on, or even inside another organism and in which at least one organism benefits. There are three kinds of symbiosis: mutualism, parasitism, and commensalism. Mutualism is when both organisms involved in the relationship benefit. Parasitism is when one organism benefits, and the other is hurt. In a commensal relationship, one organism benefits and the other is neither harmed nor helped.
Symbiosis is believed to be one factor that makes evolution possible. This is because it is said that evolution is based on co-operation, interaction, and mutual dependence. Also, it is typically only the symbiotic relationships that are lifelong and involve biochemical contact can be considered symbiotic. This means that typically only relationships that last for an organism's entire life that are involved with the process of chemicals through an organism can be considered symbiotic. Another fact is that at one point in its life, an animal is a host to one or more parasites, in a parasitic relationship.
I know that symbiosis is vital to the life of all organisms. I think that the most important role that symbiosis plays is aiding evolution. Without symbiosis, humans may have never existed. I also feel that although it is neccisary, parasitism is unfair to a parasite's host. A parasite can kill its host, although its relationship is neccisary, which is unfair to the host.
Sources:
Wikipedia.com-- symbiosis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symbiosis biochemical: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biochemical
