Symibiotic Relationships
In biology, the term symbiotic relationship refers to long term biological interaction between two different organisms in a given ecosystem. Symbiotic relationships are categorized into three different types - mutualism, commensalism and parasitism. When both the organisms involved in the process of biological interaction benefit from each other it is known as a 'mutualism relationship'. When one of the two organisms involved is benefited from the interaction, while the other remains unaffected, it is known as 'commensalism relationship'. And lastly, when one organism gets benefited from the interaction at the cost of other organism - which is subjected to harm, it is known as 'parasitism relationship'. The relationship between the capuchin monkeys and flowering trees in the tropical rainforests is the best example of mutualism in this biome. When the capuchin monkey feeds on nectar in these flowers by lapping it up, it gets pollen on its face - which it eventually takes to other flowers in the process of feeding on them. The relationship between Ecitoninae - the New World army ants, inhabiting the rainforest floor and antbirds - small dull-colored South American bird species, is the best example of commensalism in rainforest. These army ants are known for their tendency to take on anything that comes in their path while they march the forest floor. The antbirds, on the other hand, follow this group of ants and feed on whatever is left behind after the ants are done with their share. The ants manage to shake the floor as they march and the ruffles insects on the floor fly up and are eaten by the antibirds. In this way, the antbirds benefit from the army ants, but the army ants are not benefited from the antbirds. The dependence of the phorid fly on leaf-cutter ants is the best example of parasitism in the tropical rainforest biome. When these leaf-cutter ants are collecting leaves, the phorid flies attack them and lay their eggs in the crevices of the worker ant's head. When the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into the ant's body and feeds on it, which kills the ant. In this manner, the phorid fly gets benefited from the leaf-cutter ants, but the leaf-cutters have to recieve the worst part of their dependence.