What distinguishes symbiosis from predation?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Predation and symbiosis are entirely different types of ecological interactions between species. Symbiosis is defined as a long-term biological association between animals that coexist with mutual dependence. Predation is defined as a consumptive interaction that takes place in a short period whereby one organism consumes another organism as food. These interactions, through their different evolutionary pathways, occur in ecosystems.
Duration of Interaction
- Symbiotic relationships last years or lifetimes like coral-algae partnerships
- Predatory interactions end within minutes or hours after the kill
- Long-term symbiosis enables evolutionary adaptations between specific partners
- Brief predation prevents specialized coevolution between hunter and prey
Outcome for Participants
- Symbiosis ranges from mutual benefit to parasitic harm without immediate death
- Predation always results in the prey's death for the predator's nutrition
- Symbiotic hosts survive years with parasites like tapeworms
- Prey animals die instantly in predator attacks like lion hunts
Various characteristics define the interrelations. Clownfish gain protection against anemone stings as a result of generations of symbiosis. Cheetahs chase and kill gazelles, completing their relationship within minutes without continuing the relationship. Symbiotic partners associate with each other on a daily basis, whereas predators constantly seek out other prey.
The survival experiences are radically different. Barnacles live for years on whales and obtain free transportation. The zebras are immediately killed when the crocodiles attack. The symbiotic hosts, such as humans, live in harmony with their gut bacteria for decades. At the same time, the prey are largely exterminated during periods of food intake.
The evolution of these two paths will differ fundamentally. Ticks evolve specialized mouthparts for long-term blood feeding. At the same time, wolves develop generalized hunting strategies to capture a variety of prey. Symbiosis entails complex biological interactions, while predation forces an evolutionary arms race to develop adaptive strategies.
Ecological impacts vary substantially. Coral symbiosis builds reef ecosystems supporting thousands of species. Shark predation controls fish populations. Both interactions maintain balance, but through different biological mechanisms and timescales.
Read the full article: 10 Symbiotic Relationships Examples in Nature
