<P> Symbiosis ( from Greek συμβίωσις `` living together '' , from σύν `` together '' and βίωσις `` living '' ) is any type of a close and long - term biological interaction between two different biological organisms , be it mutualistic , commensalistic , or parasitic . The organisms , each termed a symbiont , may be of the same or of different species . In 1879 , Heinrich Anton de Bary defined it as `` the living together of unlike organisms '' . The term was subject to a century - long debate about whether it should specifically denote mutualism , as in lichens ; biologists have now abandoned that restriction . </P>
<P> Symbiosis ( from Greek συμβίωσις `` living together '' , from σύν `` together '' and βίωσις `` living '' ) is any type of a close and long - term biological interaction between two different biological organisms , be it mutualistic , commensalistic , or parasitic . The organisms , each termed a symbiont , may be of the same or of different species . In 1879 , Heinrich Anton de Bary defined it as `` the living together of unlike organisms '' . The term was subject to a century - long debate about whether it should specifically denote mutualism , as in lichens ; biologists have now abandoned that restriction . </P>
two organisms living together for their mutual benefit
two organisms living together for their mutual benefit
Symbiosis
Symbiosis