Discover published sets by community

Species interactions that benefit at least one of the participants and cause harm to neither. Example: Nitrifying bacteria converting ammonia to nitrates, which plants can then use.

An association where one organism is inhibited or destroyed while the other remains unaffected. Example: The antibiotic penicillin produced by Penicillium notatum kills bacteria.

A principle stating that two species competing for the same limiting resources cannot coexist. Example: Two gut bacteria species competing for the same nutrient niche in the intestine.

A complex association of one or more species attached to a surface, protected by an extracellular matrix. Example: Dental plaque caused by bacteria in the mouth.

When one organism lives on the surface of another, such as skin or mucosal surfaces. Example: Staphylococcus epidermidis on human skin.

A relationship where one organism benefits and the other is unaffected. Example: Demodex mites living on human skin feed off skin oils without harm to the host.

A non-mutual relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of the other. Example: Plasmodium falciparum (malaria) in human blood cells.

Similar to mutualism, but the relationship is not obligatory for survival. Example: Nitrogen-fixing bacteria associated with plant roots benefit but are not essential for the plant's survival.

A stable mutualistic association between a fungus and a photosynthetic partner, usually algae or cyanobacteria. Example: Lichens on rocks obtaining nutrients from the algae within.

An interaction where both species are unaffected. Example: Microorganisms existing in the human body without affecting it, neither positively nor negatively.

A more complex form of mutualism involving multiple species. Example: Microbial consortia in wastewater treatment that degrade complex substances.

A type of mutualism where the metabolic byproducts of one species are used by another. Example: Bacteria in the intestines producing vitamin K, which is then used by the host.

A unit of biological organization composed of a host and its associated microorganisms. Example: The human body and its complex community of microbiota.

In a symbiotic relationship, when one partner exploits the benefits from the other without reciprocating. Example: Certain strains of rhizobia fix less nitrogen while associating with legumes.

A type of beneficial interaction between microorganisms that enhances their survival or functional capacity. Example: Methanogens and Bacteria in the rumen of cattle facilitating digestion.

Occurs when one species is negatively affected by another. Example: Antibiosis, where the metabolic product of one organism is detrimental to another, as with antibiotics.

An intimate and durable symbiotic relationship where one organism lives inside another. Example: Mitochondria, originally bacteria, now residing in eukaryotic cells.

A type of symbiosis where both organisms benefit. Example in microbiology: Gut microbiota like E. coli synthesizing vitamin K for the host.

A mutualistic association between a fungus and the roots of a vascular plant. Example: Arbuscular mycorrhizae enhancing plant nutrient uptake.