The miracles of coevolution

The word symbiosis is perhaps the most misused term in biology. Symbiosis means nothing more than a relationship - organisms living together - and in nature, we typically say that there are three different kinds of symbiotic relationships: Mutualistic, Commensalistic and Parasitic. When the term symbiosis is used, most people use it synonymously with the mutualistic relationship, in which both organisms benefit.

The clownfish and sea anemone both benefit from this living arrangement. The clownfish gains protection from the stingers of the sea anemone and the clownfish eats tiny parasites on the anemone.

Then today, I heard a pretty freaking amazing story on npr ( I know, what did I expect?) discussing the relationship between the whistling thorn and the African elephant.

Turns out that what was thought to be a damaging relationship is actually one that is beneficial. Elephants eat trees, the trees have these stinging ants that attack the elephants so the elephants can't eat the trees. You'd think no elephants would be good for the trees then, right? Not this time.

Seriously, check it out...and marvel in nature.