[Verse 1]
I’m not quite sure
Of the allure
Seems the scene’s
Symbiotic relationship
[Bridge]
Termites and Gut Protozoa
Mutualistic symbiotic
(Is music)
Mycorrhizae
At the root
Salute
[Chorus]
Scratch my back
I’ll scratch yours
Combined attack
Opens doors
[Verse 2]
A scenic symbiotic relationship
Climb on, come along
Turn your dream into our scene
Aboard the relationship
[Bridge]
Termites and Gut Protozoa
Mutualistic symbiotic
(Is music)
Mycorrhizae
At the root
Salute
[Chorus]
Scratch my back
I’ll scratch yours
Combined attack
Opens doors
[Instrumental, Saxophone Solo, Drum Fills]
[Verse 3]
Clownfish and Sea Anemones
(With us) A circus of anomalies
Oxpeckers, knock on wood
Would do what they could
[Bridge]
Termites and Gut Protozoa
Mutualistic symbiotic
(Is music)
Mycorrhizae
At the root
Salute
[Chorus]
Scratch my back
I’ll scratch yours
Combined attack
Opens doors
[Outro]
Scratch my back
I’ll scratch yours
Combined attack
Opens doors
A SCIENCE NOTE
Symbiotic relationships, where two different species live in close association with each other, offer numerous benefits to the organisms involved. These relationships can be mutualistic (both parties benefit), commensalistic (one party benefits without affecting the other), or parasitic (one party benefits at the expense of the other). Here are some examples of benefits from mutualistic symbiotic relationships:
1. Nutritional Benefits
Lichen:
- A mutualistic relationship between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria. The algae/cyanobacteria provide the fungus with nutrients through photosynthesis, while the fungus offers protection and access to minerals.
Mycorrhizae:
- A mutualistic association between fungi and plant roots. The fungi enhance water and nutrient absorption (especially phosphorus) for the plants, while the plants supply the fungi with carbohydrates produced through photosynthesis.
2. Protection and Shelter
Clownfish and Sea Anemones:
- Clownfish live among the tentacles of sea anemones, gaining protection from predators due to the anemone’s stinging cells. In return, clownfish provide the anemones with food scraps and help with water circulation.
Acacia Trees and Ants:
- Some acacia trees have hollow thorns that provide shelter for ants. The ants protect the tree from herbivores and sometimes clear away competing vegetation. In return, the ants receive food in the form of nectar produced by the tree.
3. Reproductive Assistance
Bees and Flowering Plants:
- Bees collect nectar and pollen from flowers, which they use to produce food for themselves. In the process, they pollinate the flowers, aiding in plant reproduction.
Fig Wasps and Fig Trees:
- Fig wasps lay their eggs inside fig fruits. As the wasps pollinate the figs, they ensure the tree can reproduce, while the figs provide a habitat and food source for the wasp larvae.
4. Cleaning and Hygiene
Cleaner Fish and Client Fish:
- Cleaner fish, such as cleaner wrasses, remove parasites and dead skin from larger client fish. The client fish benefit from improved health, while the cleaner fish get a steady food source.
Oxpeckers and Large Mammals:
- Oxpeckers (birds) feed on ticks, dead skin, and other parasites found on large mammals like buffalo and rhinoceros. The large mammals gain relief from pests, while the oxpeckers receive nourishment.
5. Enhanced Survival and Health
Humans and Gut Microbiota:
- The human gut is home to a diverse community of bacteria that help digest food, produce vitamins, and protect against pathogens. In return, the bacteria receive a nutrient-rich environment to live in.
Termites and Gut Protozoa:
- Termites have protozoa in their guts that help break down cellulose from the wood they consume. The protozoa get a steady supply of food, while the termites benefit from the nutrients released during cellulose digestion.
These examples illustrate the diverse and intricate ways in which symbiotic relationships can enhance survival, provide resources, and improve the health of the organisms involved.