What does the term "symbiosis" refer to?

The term "symbiosis" refers to a close and long-term biological interaction between two different biological organisms. The most fundamental aspect of symbiosis is the concept of living together, as it encompasses various types of relationships, such as mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism. In a mutualistic relationship, both organisms benefit; in commensalism, one organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed; and in parasitism, one organism benefits at the expense of the other. This definition underscores the cooperative aspect of symbiosis, contrasting with interactions like predation or competition, where the relationship is more about one organism benefiting at the direct expense of another. Thus, the focus on the idea of living together is central to understanding the nature and implications of symbiotic relationships.