Symbiosis (from Greek σύν "together" and βίωσις "living") is close and often long-term interaction between two different biological species. In 1877 Albert Bernhard Frank used the word symbiosis (which previously had been used to depict people living together in community) to describe the mutualistic relationship in lichens. In 1879, the German mycologist Heinrich Anton de Bary defined it as "the living together of unlike organisms."
The definition of symbiosis has varied among scientists. Some believe symbiosis should only refer to persistent mutualisms, while others believe it should apply to any type of persistent biological interaction (in other words mutualistic, commensalistic, or parasitic). After 130 years of debate, current biology and ecology textbooks now use the latter "de Bary" definition or an even broader definition (where symbiosis means all species interactions), with the restrictive definition no longer used (in other words, symbiosis means mutualism).
Some symbiotic relationships are obligate, meaning that both symbionts entirely depend on each other for survival. For example, many lichens consist of fungal and photosynthetic symbionts that cannot live on their own. Others are facultative (optional): they can, but do not have to live with the other organism.
"Symbiosis" is the 22nd episode of the American science fiction television series Star Trek: The Next Generation. It first aired on April 18, 1988, in broadcast syndication. The teleplay was written by Robert Lewin, Richard Manning, and Hans Beimler, based on a story by Lewin, and the episode was directed by Win Phelps.
Set in the 24th century, the series follows the adventures of the crew of the Starfleet starship Enterprise-D. In this episode, Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) tries to mediate a trade dispute between two co-dependent neighbouring planets regarding medical supplies which turn out to be narcotic drugs.
The episode was written after executive producer Maurice Hurley worked on Miami Vice, which he credited for resulting in a narcotic theme in the episode. The guest cast included Judson Scott and Merritt Butrick who had both appeared in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982). "Symbiosis" marked the final filmed appearance of Denise Crosby as Tasha Yar until her return in "Yesterday's Enterprise". The episode received mixed reviews with criticism directed at the subject matter and the unsubtle nature of the presentation.
Symbiosis is an interaction between two organisms living together in intimate association or the merging of two dissimilar organisms.
Symbiosis may also refer to:
Organix is the debut album of American hip hop band The Roots, released May 19, 1993 by the band, independently. It was originally sold at the band's shows in Europe. The album earned enough industry buzz to earn The Roots offers from major record labels, after which they signed with DGC Records, which at the time was better known for its grunge music releases. Organix was re-released in 1998 on Cargo Records.