Trophobiosis
- Pronunciation
- /troh-fə-BY-oh-sis/
- Category
- Behavior
- Plural
- Trophobioses
Definition
A mutualistic relationship where one organism protects or tends to another in exchange for nourishment.
Etymology
From Greek 'trophos', meaning 'nourishment' and 'bios', meaning 'life'.
Example
Ants and aphids engage in trophobiosis, where ants protect the aphids in exchange for honeydew produced by the aphids.
Related Terms
Usage Notes
Trophobiosis is commonly seen between ants and aphids.