How do humans participate in symbiotic relationships?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Humans engage in symbiotic relationships throughout their biological systems. The human body has complex relationships with microorganisms that significantly impact health. These relationships are mutual and can be either beneficial or detrimental, depending on their impact on a person's daily physical performance. To learn of these is to give the study of man its place in nature's interconnecting patterns.
Mutualistic Partners
- Gut bacteria digest food and produce essential vitamins
- Skin microbes protect against harmful pathogens naturally
- Probiotic foods strengthen these beneficial partnerships
- Research shows fiber feeds good bacteria populations
Commensal Relationships
- Face mites consume dead skin cells without impact
- Eyelash mites exist harmlessly in hair follicles
- Nasal bacteria occupy space preventing pathogen growth
- These relationships require no host resources
Parasitic Dependencies
- Tapeworms absorb nutrients causing malnutrition
- Malaria parasites destroy red blood cells
- Ticks transmit Lyme disease during feeding
- Hookworms cause anemia through blood loss
Your intestinal biome is the most important cooperative relationship that exists. There are trillions of bacteria that digest food while teaching your immune system. I studied how antibiotics disrupt this balance, causing ill health. It is essential to have a diverse mixture of intestinal flora to prevent bowel problems and support overall health and well-being.
You have certain commensal organisms replicating throughout your body without adverse effects. For example, mites on the face live in the hair follicles and consume decaying cells. Bacteria in the nostrils occupy space and interfere with parasites. The organisms experience an advantage, and no energy is required from you, though a measure of protection is yours.
Parasitism causes obvious physical harm due to nutrition theft and diseases. Tapeworms can absorb up to 20% of the nutrients from their hosts, leading to deficiencies. Malaria parasites destroy red blood cells during their reproductive cycle. To avoid these infections, sanitation must be ensured as much as possible, and water and food must be treated properly.
Contemporary lifestyles influence these biological relationships. The consumption of processed food diminishes advantageous gut microbiota. The overuse of antibiotics results in the formulation of an imbalance. Travel results in exposure to parasites. The choices we make regarding products, food, and the environment all involve conscious, healthy, and symbiotic relationship choices.
Read the full article: 10 Symbiotic Relationships Examples in Nature
