Xenobiosis

Definition

A form of symbiosis where different species of ants share the same nest but maintain separate broods and exhibit limited cooperation.

Etymology

From Greek 'xeno-', meaning 'foreign' or 'strange', and 'biosis', meaning 'way of living'.

Example

In some ant colonies, xenobiosis can be observed where multiple ant species cohabit but avoid integrating fully with each other.

Related Terms

• Symbiosis
• Ants
• Colony
• Mutualism

Usage Notes

Xenobiosis is typically observed in ant species and involves cohabitation without significant interdependence or mixing of offspring.