Symbiosis: Win-Win

Symbiosis, word #8, is a good word that can be useful in multiple contexts.  You will find its adjective form, symbiotic, more frequently used unless you happen to be a scientist, or at least a science aficionado.


Before I expound on the benefits of  knowing how to use the words symbiosis and symbiotic, let's look at a straightforward definition.




Definition
Symbiosis:  a close interaction between two living things that depend on each other.  This relationship could be biological species, organisms--actually any kind of living beings.  They work together and depend on each other.  Most of the time, that is, and when they don't, one becomes a parasite.




Origin
Greek:  sym, together; bio, to live (to live together)
First recorded use: 1615-1625


As history would have it, in 1877 the word symbiosis was used to describe the dependent relationship of lichens, and two years later scientists would refer to the coexistence of two unlike organisms.


Today English speakers employ the word in a more figurative way, which is typical of so many words and phrases that have become metaphors.  Symbiosis now frequently describes a relationship between two people or groups that work together as a team.  One helps the other as they progress through the daily routine of the relationship.  Occasionally, our language reverts to science in which we witness one organism taking without giving back.  So much for teamwork.  We might call that person a parasite.


Examples
The animal kingdom offers a sweet example.  Along any country road in Texas one might find a field of cattle accompanied by lovely white egrets, small white birds.  They're like bird groupies hanging out with the cows, but both the cattle and the birds have a quite satisfying symbiotic relationship.  The egrets like the insects stirred up by the hooves, but they also like to sit on the backs of the animals and eat those annoying bugs that bite the cattle, who no doubt appreciate the egrets' assistance. What a happy coexistence for both!


Another favorite example is the honey bee, who gathers nectar and pollen from flowers which she transfers to the hive but at the same time pollinates the plants so they can reproduce.  Win-win. Furthermore, what scientists have discovered is that flowers that are visited more often by bees will produce larger and more uniformly shaped fruit.  Most of the fruits and vegetables in our diet depend on pollination for growth and production, but the bee gets her due, a well-fed bee hive. I call that a symbiotic rock star.


Finally, I can't leave this article without mentioning the incredible human interaction that sometimes produces miracles when people work together to help each other strive and become the people they were meant to be.  The Olympic teams this year come to mind.  While the medalists certainly reap many benefits, their countries swell with pride--newfound hope, and experience the symbiotic relationship of what Maslow called the critical human need to find one's place, not in isolation, but in the whole of society. Definitely win-win.