The main difference between symbiosis and antibiosis is that symbiosis is the association of organisms that benefit each other, whereas antibiosis is an association of organisms that is determinal to the other organism.
Symbiosis and antibiosis are two associations between organisms. They are either beneficial or harmful to each other.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Symbiosis
– Definition, Facts, Features
2. What is Antibiosis
– Definition, Facts, Features
3. Similarities Between Symbiosis and Antibiosis
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Symbiosis and Antibiosis
– Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Symbiosis and Antibiosis
– Answers to frequently asked questions
Key Terms
Antibiosis, Symbiosis
What is Symbiosis
Symbiosis is any kind of arrangement between two different species. Mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism are the three types of symbiosis. Also, they can be either beneficial, harmful or have no effect on other living organisms.
Mutualism
Mutualism is a type of symbiosis in which both partners benefit from the relationship. The two partners of the mutualistic relationship evolve together in the ecosystem, becoming a component of it. Each component makes use of the other component and vice versa. The purpose of the mutualistic relationship varies, and some of the requirements fulfilled by this type of relationship are food, transport, shelter, pollination, or defense.
Figure 1: Mutualism
Commensalism
Commensalism is a symbiotic relationship between two organisms in different species where only one partner benefits and the other is unaffected. The unaffected partner in a commensalistic relationship is referred to as the host organism. The commensalistic relationships are based on obtaining nutrients, locomotion, shelter, and support from the host.
Parasitism
Parasitism is another symbiotic relationship, which occurs between the host and the parasite. The parasite benefits at the expense of the host. Here, the host does not get any benefit from the parasite. However, the relationship is harmful to the host since the parasite grows, feeds, and reproduces on the host. Sometimes, the relationship can be lethal or pathogenic to the host. Also, the parasite is smaller than the host and shows higher reproduction rates. Some parasites undergo several developmental stages inside their host.
What is Antibiosis
Antibiosis is an antagonistic association between two organisms in which one organism is adversely affected. Also, it mainly occurs in microorganisms. For example, marigold (Tagetes species) roots produce terthienyl, which is a chemical that is harmful to nematodes and fungi. Therefore, the toxicity resulting from antibiosis is due to the secretion of secondary metabolites by microorganisms.
Figure 2: Marigold
Similarities Between Symbiosis and Antibiosis
- Symbiosis and antibiosis are two associations between organisms.
- They are either beneficial or harmful to each other.
Difference Between Symbiosis and Antibiosis
Definition
Symbiosis refers to any of several living arrangements between members of two different species, including mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism. In contrast, antibiosis refers to an antagonistic association between two organisms (especially microorganisms), in which one is adversely affected.
Type of Relationship
Symbiosis is beneficial to each other, while antibiosis is harmful to other organisms.
Characteristics
Symbiosis is close and prolonged, while antibiosis is not close and prolonged
FAQ: Symbiosis and Antibiosis
What is the difference between symbiotic and mutualism?
In brief, symbiosis is a close and prolonged relationship that occurs between two species. However, mutualism is a type of symbiosis that is beneficial to only one species. The other organism is not affected in mutualism.
What is the opposite of symbiosis?
A parasitic relationship is opposite to the symbiosis. In parasitism, one organism benefits at the expense of the other organism. In symbiosis, both organisms benefit from the association.
What is an example of a symbiosis?
Examples of symbiosis include Lactobacillus and humans, ants and fungi, cells and mitochondria, goby fish and snapping shrimp, coral and algae, and cleaner fish.
Conclusion
In brief, symbiosis and antibiosis are two associations between organisms. Symbiosis is an association that benefits each other. Mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism are the three types of symbiosis. Also, it is a close and prolonged relationship. In comparison, antibiosis is an association of organisms that is determinal to the other organism. That means it is harmful to the other organism. Also, it is not a prolonged association. Therefore, the main difference between symbiosis and antibiosis is that the effect on another organism.
References:
- Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (2023, November 10). Symbiosis. Encyclopædia Britannica.
- Antibiosis. Antibiosis – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.).
Image Courtesy:
- “What is the Difference Between Symbiosis and Antibiosis” By Kevin Cole – Own Work (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
- “Merigold flower 1” By Pmsarangi – Own Work (CC-BY SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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