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symbiosis

(pl. symbioses)

Terms discussed: commensalism, mutualism, symbiont (pl. symbionts)


See Also:
Fungal Lifestyle




Image of Boletus parasiticus from Jean Louis Émile Boudier (1904 - 1909) Icones mycologicae ou iconographie des champignons de France, principalement Discomycètes
Boletus parasiticus
Symbiosis is a situation in which two or more organisms (called symbionts) spend an important part of their life together. Usually, at least one of the organisms benefits from this association, to the point that the association is necessary for the organism's survival.

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Symbioses are classified by how many of the symbionts benefit from the relationship. When all the organisms in the relationship benefit from their association, the symbiosis is called mutualism. When one (or more) benefit and the others are unharmed, the symbiosis is called commensalism. If one (or more) organisms are harmed by the relationship, the symbiosis is called parasitism.

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At some times, the term symbiosis has been taught as being synonymous with mutualism. I discuss some of the issues involved under the entry for Fungal Lifestyles. Mycorrhizae and lichens are the most prominent example of fungal symbiosis known today. These are also discussed under the entry for Fungal Lifestyles.

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