EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -In the best known relationship between ants and aphids, ants eat the sugar-rich honeydew excreted by the aphids and, in return, provide them with protection and hygienic services (2, 3). This kind of interaction is termed trophobiosis and is considered to be mutualistic (3).

Detailed explanation-2: -Several species of ants have a special symbiotic relationship with aphids-they farm them! Aphids feed primarily on the sap from plants and secrete a liquid called honeydew. This secretion is very sugar-rich, and quite favoured by ants as a food source.

Detailed explanation-3: -One example of a mutualistic relationship is that of the oxpecker (a kind of bird) and the rhinoceros or zebra. Oxpeckers land on rhinos or zebras and eat ticks and other parasites that live on their skin. The oxpeckers get food and the beasts get pest control.

Detailed explanation-4: -Symbiosis refers to a close and prolonged association between two organisms of different species. Mutualism refers to mutually beneficial interactions between members of the same or different species.

Detailed explanation-5: -Pistol shrimps and gobies. Aphids and ants. Woolly bats and pitcher plants. Coral and algae. Oxpeckers and large mammals. Clownfish and anemones. Honeyguides and humans. The senita cactus and senita moth.