What is symbiosis?

Symbiosis refers to a close and long-term interaction between two different biological species. This relationship can take various forms, including mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism. In the context of symbiosis, it specifically emphasizes the closeness and sustained nature of the interaction, implying that the species involved often have significant effects on each other and may rely on each other for some aspect of their survival or reproduction.

The importance of this definition lies in the understanding that symbiotic relationships can be complex. For instance, in mutualism, both species benefit; in commensalism, one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed; and in parasitism, one species benefits at the expense of the other. Thus, the term symbiosis captures the essence of these intricate connections that go beyond just mutual interactions, highlighting the closeness of the relationship.

The other options describe different ecological concepts. For example, competition pertains to how species vie for the same resources, which does not describe a close relationship but rather a struggle for survival. Evolutionary change relates to how species adapt over time and does not specifically pertain to relationships between them. Therefore, defining symbiosis as a close relationship between two species accurately captures its