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symbiotic

adjective

/ˌsɪmbʌɪˈɒtɪk/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of symbiotic

Involving a relationship between two or more organisms in which each organism benefits from the other.
"The bee and flower have a symbiotic relationship where each benefits from the other."

Detailed meaning of symbiotic

The term is often used to describe the relationship between different species of animals, plants or microorganisms that live in close physical association, such as mutualism, commensalism or parasitism. Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit from the interaction, commensalism is a type of symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits and the other organism is neither helped nor harmed, and parasitism is a type of symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of the other. The term can also be used to describe the relationship between different parts of an ecosystem, such as the relationship between pollinators and the plants they pollinate. Overall, the word "symbiotic" refers to a relationship between two or more organisms in which each organism benefits from the other, characterized by mutualism, commensalism or parasitism, and it can also be used to describe the relationship between different parts of an ecosystem.

Example sentences containing symbiotic

1. The coral reefs and the fish have a symbiotic relationship, as the fish find shelter among the corals.
2. The bee and the flower share a symbiotic bond: the bee gets nectar, and the flower is pollinated.
3. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria and leguminous plants have a symbiotic connection, benefiting both.
4. Cleaner fish and larger fish maintain a symbiotic partnership by removing parasites.
5. The mycorrhizal fungi and tree roots engage in a symbiotic exchange of nutrients.
6. Clownfish and sea anemones coexist symbiotically, offering each other protection.

History and etymology of symbiotic

The adjective 'symbiotic' traces its roots to the Greek word 'sumbiōsis,' where 'sumbi' means 'together with' and 'ōsis' means 'process' or 'condition.' 'Symbiosis' in biology refers to a mutually beneficial relationship between two or more different species of organisms. These organisms interact closely, often in ways that enhance the survival or well-being of each party involved. 'Symbiotic' describes this type of relationship, emphasizing the interdependence and mutual advantage that characterizes such partnerships. Whether it's the relationship between pollinators and flowers or the beneficial bacteria in our gut, the etymology of 'symbiotic' underscores the cooperative and harmonious nature of these interactions in the natural world.

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Further usage examples of symbiotic

1. Humans and their gut bacteria have a symbiotic connection, aiding digestion.
2. Oxpeckers and large mammals maintain a symbiotic relationship by removing ticks.
3. Zooxanthellae and coral polyps engage in a symbiotic partnership for mutual growth.
4. Lichen is a symbiotic organism composed of fungi and algae.
5. Termites and their gut microbes have a symbiotic bond for breaking down cellulose.
6. The oxpecker bird and buffalo maintain a symbiotic association in the wild.
7. Humans and dogs have a long history of symbiotic companionship.
8. Leafcutter ants and the fungus they cultivate have a mutually beneficial symbiotic bond.
9. Gut-dwelling bacteria in ruminants enable them to digest cellulose in a symbiotic relationship.
10. Bioluminescent bacteria and flashlight fish share a symbiotic connection for attracting prey.
11. Aphids and ants exhibit a symbiotic relationship; ants protect aphids in exchange for honeydew.
12. Pollinators like bees and flowers have a symbiotic partnership in the plant reproduction process.
13. Birds that eat fruit and disperse seeds have a symbiotic role in plant propagation.
14. In the deep ocean, tube worms and chemosynthetic bacteria maintain a symbiotic existence.
15. Symbiotic partnerships can be vital in the survival of many marine organisms.
16. The gut microbiota in herbivores plays a symbiotic role in breaking down plant cellulose.
17. Bacteria living in the roots of legumes fix nitrogen in a symbiotic relationship.
18. Symbiotic interactions in nature often involve intricate exchanges of benefits.
19. Scientists study symbiotic relationships to better understand ecological systems.