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Symbiosis refers to an arrangement between two species that live together very closely and may have co-evolved. The living arrangement may be beneficial, neutral, or harmful to either or both of the creatures. Those involved are called symbionts and their relationship may be one of mutualism, parasitism, or commensalism. Mutualism represents positive benefits for all creatures concerned, commensalism represents benefits for one partner, and parasitism leads to benefits for one partner at the expense of the other. Examples include the birds that pick food from the teeth of crocodiles, or ticks from buffaloes, receiving protection from the larger animals for their efforts. Other examples include the many bacteria that find homes inside human beings and other creatures. Evidence suggests that the eukaryotic cells that make up the basis of multicellular life are themselves examples of symbiosis between less sophisticated cells. The biologist Lynn Margulis has been instrumental in demonstrating the importance of microbial life in causing evolutionary changes that have enabled complex forms of life to develop. In some ways, it is possible to consider the birth and growth of babies in the uterus as being a form of symbiosis, since the babies rely upon their mothers for nutrition and the provision of a suitable living environment.
The Gaia thesis first articulated by James Lovelock may be seen as a form of symbiosis. The Gaia hypothesis states that all creatures live in an interlocking system with the earth and that no members of nature can exist without the other members of the system. Consequently, all members of the system may be said to be symbionts of all others. The creation of eukaryotic life depended initially on a symbiotic relationship between bacteria and mitochondria and they formed and evolved into an all-encompassing biosphere that is dependent on all members of it.
The Gaia hypothesis therefore calls for efforts to be made to retain all forms of living creature, since extinction of any one is likely to have a negative impact upon every other symbiont, including the earth itself. Proponents of the hypothesis will resist the exploitation of the resources of the world when this puts at risk the extinction of any species because such an extinction would have an incalculable effect on the rest of the system. This viewpoint is opposed by those who believe in humankind’s right to exploit the resources of the world as required, and in the scientific ability to overcome any problems brought about by resource exploitation.
An additional form of symbiosis is mimicry, in which one organism will attempt to present itself as the member of another species in order to gain the benefits available to that other species. Harmless creatures passing themselves off as venomous or otherwise dangerous creatures are one example of mimicry. It is possible to create artificial substitutes of mimic creatures in some cases in order to reap the benefits that such symbiosis provides. The concept of symbiosis has been used by people in different fields trying to create forms of positive synergy through combining two different units or institutions. This has led to the creation of industrial parks and research networks, among other things. There is speculation that a subsequent stage of evolution will see human-machine symbiosis, in which the physical and mental capabilities of people may be augmented.
Bibliography:
- Douglas Angela, Symbiotic Interactions (Oxford University Press, 1994);
- James Lovelock, Gaia: A New Look at Life on Earth (Oxford University Press, 1979);
- James Lovelock, The Revenge of Gaia: Why the Earth Is Fighting Back-and How We Can Still Save Humanity (Allen Lane, 2006);
- Lynn Margulis and Dorion Sagan, Slanted Truths: Essays on Gaia, Symbiosis, and Evolution (Copernicus Books, 1997).
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