Among the relationships between different species of organisms that take place in nature (interspecific relationships), one of the least known types is protocooperation. It is a biological interaction similar to mutualism, with which it is sometimes confused, in terms of what each organism obtains, but with slight differences in front of it.
In this ecology article, we will talk about the protocooperation, its definition and some examples.
DEFINITION OF PROTOCOOPERATION – What is it?
Can Define protocooperation Like one Mutualist interaction between two organisms that obtain a benefit of this relationship. These interrelations can take place between organisms of different species or even different kingdoms of nature. In protocooperation individuals do not have the obligation to establish ties, since they can survive without receiving the help of others. However, They relate because it is beneficial for both species. Thus, protocooperation opposes symbiotic relationships, where both individuals depend on the relationship to survive, that is, the absence of relationship means the death of the other organism. Here we talk more about what symbiosis in ecology is with examples.
The examples of protocooperation are abundant in nature. One of the most representative cases is the relationship between the bacteria that develop in the soil and the growing vegetation. In this relationship neither bacteria nor plants need the help of the other organism, but obtain benefits from this relationship. Thus, plants obtain nutrients generated by bacteria and bacteria obtain subjects to break down. This example occurs in all fertile soils, demonstrating that protocooperation relations are possible in any environment.
Protocooperation and mutualism
Mutualism It is another biological interaction that occurs between two species and can be divided into two main types:
- Symbiotic: The relationship is obliged and guarantees the survival of one of the two species.
- Non -symbiotic: The relationship is not obliged, but is established optionally.
Protocooperation It is part of the Non -symbiotic mutualist relationshipssince organisms do not depend on the relationship for their survival, but establish it because they provide benefits to both. In the event that both individuals have a similar size, they can exchange food, nutrients or hormones, benefiting both.
Examples of protocooperation
As we have said, there are a lot of cases of this relationship in nature. Among the Most common protocooperation examples are:
Insects and flowers
A great diversity of insects such as butterflies, bees and bumblebees feed on the nectar of flowers. The body of these insects is impregnated with pollen when approaching flowers to feed and fly, they transport pollen to other flowers, favoring cross pollination. In this other post of ecology, we talk about what are the pollinating insects and their importance.
As we see, although the relationship is beneficial for both, they do not depend on this for their survival, since flowers can reproduce thanks to the action of other factors such as wind and insect can feed on other species.
Birds and mammals
There are birds, such as picabueyes, which can be perched on the body of large mammals (antelopes, rhinos, giraffes, elephants or buffalo) and feed on unwanted parasites in these animals (such as fleas or ticks).
In this relationship, the bird is transported by the animal, while the mammal remains healthy by the elimination of parasites. It is also believed that the Picabueyes emit alarm signals when the animal is in danger for them to come to their aid.
Protocooperation between fish
There are fish that are “cleaners” of other larger fish species. This type of relationship is common in reefs, where larger fish come to be “cleaned.”
One of these cases is that of pilot fish (Naucrates Ductor), which feed on the parasites and food remains left by sharks. They can also clean the mouths of sharks, which never eat them because they know they get this benefit from them.
Ants and aphids
The aphids make holes in the trees to feed on their sage and ants, instead of eating them, they stimulate them with their antennas to secrete Ligamaza. Ants protect the aphids from predators, so that both species benefit, but the plant dies.
Mycorrhizas and plants
Mycorrhizas are associations between fungi and roots of vascular plants, where plants get access to nutrients that they can not otherwise achieve and the fungus, on the other hand, obtains carbon from the plant.
Sea Anemone and Hermit Crab
This is another clear example of protocooperation, since the sea anemone is transported adhered to the crab of the crab to areas with more food and the anemone protects and provides food to the crab.
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