Which term is used to describe a close interaction between two species that benefits at least one?

Which term is used to describe a close interaction between two species that benefits at least one?

• A. Symbosis
• B. Symbiosis
• C. Mutualism
• D. Parasitism

Answer: (B)

Symbiosis is a close interaction between two species that live together. It’s the umbrella term for these relationships because it covers different outcomes: mutualism, where both benefit; commensalism, where one benefits and the other is unaffected; and parasitism, where one benefits at the expense of the other. The question asks for a term describing a close interaction that benefits at least one, which fits symbiosis since at least one partner can gain in these associations. The commonly accepted spelling is symbiosis. The other terms describe specific types of relationships: mutualism is when both benefit, parasitism is when one benefits at the cost of the other, and the misspelled option isn’t the standard term.

Symbiosis is a close interaction between two species that live together. It’s the umbrella term for these relationships because it covers different outcomes: mutualism, where both benefit; commensalism, where one benefits and the other is unaffected; and parasitism, where one benefits at the expense of the other. The question asks for a term describing a close interaction that benefits at least one, which fits symbiosis since at least one partner can gain in these associations. The commonly accepted spelling is symbiosis. The other terms describe specific types of relationships: mutualism is when both benefit, parasitism is when one benefits at the cost of the other, and the misspelled option isn’t the standard term.