symbiotic

Everyday

1. (science) Symbiotic describes a close relationship between two different kinds of living things that live together, especially one where both are helped: bees and flowers, clownfish and sea anemones. tree →
2. Symbiotic also describes any relationship between people, groups or things that help each other: "The farm and the village had a symbiotic relationship." tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons it appears with habitats and food webs: in mutualism both partners gain, in commensalism one gains and the other is not harmed, in parasitism one gains and the other is harmed. Examples: lichens (fungus and alga), the bacteria in our gut, oxpeckers on buffalo, cleaner fish. Phrases: "symbiotic relationship", "symbiotic bacteria".

Examples

• Clownfish and sea anemones have a symbiotic relationship. tree →
• Our gut has symbiotic bacteria that help digest food. tree →
• A lichen is a symbiotic partnership of a fungus and an alga. tree →
• Bees and flowers are symbiotic: bees get food, flowers get pollinated. tree →
• The shop and the café next door have a symbiotic relationship. tree →
• Cleaner fish eat parasites from bigger fish in a symbiotic deal. tree →
• Coral lives in a symbiotic relationship with tiny algae. tree →

Note

Noun: symbiosis (plural symbioses). Pronounced "sim-bye-OT-ik". In everyday use, "symbiotic" means both sides benefit; in strict science, it can include parasitism too.