When it comes to relationships, nobody wants to feel used. Figuring out the perfect balance of give-and-take is quite tricky. For parasites and other organisms, “relationship statuses” are quite complex. The term symbiosis refers to an association that is both close and prolonged between at least two organisms of different species . This association can be further categorized into three forms: mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism . Furthermore, these broad categories also contain subcategories. For example, mutualism can be trophic, dispersive, or defensive . This means two organisms are either equally sharing resources, one is providing resources and the other services, or both are providing services to each other respectively . Given these details, it is evident that deciphering between these three forms can be a bit problematic.
So, Which Relationship Is It?
When examining symbiotic relationships, one must take into account both costs and benefits of the species involved. In the case of the hermit
crab and its sea anemone(s), the advantages that the species gain are difficult to categorize.