METABIOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Metabiosis is a biological term used to describe a symbiotic relationship between two different organisms, in which one organism benefits from the presence or activities of the other organism. This type of relationship differs from mutualism, where both organisms benefit, and parasitism, where one organism benefits at the expense of the other.
In metabiosis, the relationship is often one-sided, with one organism being either unaffected or slightly benefitting, while the other organism significantly benefits. This interaction can occur between organisms of different species, or even different organisms within the same species.
Metabiosis commonly occurs when one organism provides shelter, protection, or nutrients to the other organism. This can include situations where one organism takes advantage of the byproducts or waste produced by the other. By creating a favorable environment for the partner organism, the host organism indirectly benefits by increasing its own chances of survival or reproduction.
Examples of metabiotic relationships can be found in nature, such as certain types of ants that provide protection to aphids in exchange for honeydew, a sugary substance secreted by the aphids. Another example is the relationship between some hermit crabs and sea anemones, where the crabs use the stinging tentacles of the anemones for defense against predators, while the anemones benefit from the food particles and movement provided by the crabs.
Overall, metabiosis refers to a type of symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits significantly, directly or indirectly, from the presence or activities of another organism.
Common Misspellings for METABIOSIS
- Metabisis
- netabiosis
- ketabiosis
- jetabiosis
- mwtabiosis
- mstabiosis
- mdtabiosis
- mrtabiosis
- m4tabiosis
- m3tabiosis
- merabiosis
- mefabiosis
- megabiosis
- meyabiosis
- me6abiosis
- me5abiosis
- metzbiosis
- metsbiosis
- metwbiosis
- metqbiosis
Etymology of METABIOSIS
The word "metabiosis" comes from the combination of two Greek roots: "meta-" meaning "beyond" or "after", and "biosis" meaning "living" or "way of life". The term was coined by the German biologist Karl Möbius in the late 19th century to describe a form of symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits from the presence of another organism after its death. In this type of association, the living organism utilizes the remains or resources left by the dead one.
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