A variety of intelligent associations exist among the millions of organisms that live on planet Earth. One such spectacular relationship is called symbiosis in which two different species form a mutually-benefitting and sometimes not-so-mutually benefitting relationship to survive. Here are some examples of symbiotic associations in nature!
Pink coral mushrooms
Photo: Abhishek Jain.These striking pink coral mushrooms grow on tree roots. They provide vital soil nutrients to the trees in exchange for sugars.
Monkey and chital
Photo: Dhanu Paran.In India's wildernesses, monkeys and chital usually stay close to warn each other of predators lurking nearby.
Galls
Such strangely-shaped growths on leaves known as galls usually occur because of various insect species that lay their eggs inside.
Weaver ants and treehoppers
Photo: Vedwati Padwal.Weaver ants take very good care of and protect horned treehoppers in return for the sweet honey dew they excrete.
Cleaner wrasse and moray eel
The tiny cleaner wrasse feeds on microscopic parasites on the moray eel's body, thus benefiting tting both.
Cattle Egrets, mynahs and rhino
Photo: Manas Paran.Cattle Egrets and mynas help the rhino by getting rid of the ticks on its body in return for a lip-smacking tick meal.
Sea anemone and crab
Photo: Digant Desai.The venomous tentacles of the sea anemone provide a safe home for the crab.
Clownfish and sea anemone
Photo: Dheeraj Nanda.The clownfish helps the anemone stay clean and its bright colours lures the anemone's prey!
Crow and sambar
Photo: Sarabjit Lehal. The opportunistic crow feeds on ticks and other parasites on the body of the sambar, helping it stay clean.
First appeared in: Sanctuary Asia, Vol. XXXVII, No. 3, March 2017.Â
