What term describes a close relationship between two species?

What term describes a close relationship between two species?

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

Answer: (B)

The term that describes a close relationship between two species is symbiosis. This encompasses a range of interactions that can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful to one or both parties involved. The key characteristic of symbiosis is the long-term and often intimate nature of the relationship, which can occur in various forms. Mutualism, for instance, is a specific type of symbiotic relationship where both species benefit. While mutualism is a close relationship, the broader concept of symbiosis includes other interactions as well. Commensalism is another type of symbiosis, where one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed. Parasitism, in contrast, describes a relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of the other. Thus, while these terms describe various interactions, symbiosis is the overarching term that accurately captures the essence of close relationships between species.

The term that describes a close relationship between two species is symbiosis. This encompasses a range of interactions that can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful to one or both parties involved. The key characteristic of symbiosis is the long-term and often intimate nature of the relationship, which can occur in various forms.

Mutualism, for instance, is a specific type of symbiotic relationship where both species benefit. While mutualism is a close relationship, the broader concept of symbiosis includes other interactions as well. Commensalism is another type of symbiosis, where one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed. Parasitism, in contrast, describes a relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of the other. Thus, while these terms describe various interactions, symbiosis is the overarching term that accurately captures the essence of close relationships between species.