Symbiosis: Animal Partnerships

B1 English lesson — Animals & Nature · free interactive lesson with video, speaking practice, and a quiz.

Vocabulary

symbiosis · species · parasite · predator · benefit

Reading

Symbiosis is a close relationship between two different species in which both animals benefit. Oxpeckers are small birds that sit on zebras and giraffes and eat the parasites living in their skin. The birds get food, and the big animals get clean. The boxer crab holds sea anemones like boxing gloves to scare away its enemies, and the anemones catch leftover food. The gobi fish watches for predators and warns the nearly blind pistol shrimp, and in return it shares the shrimp's safe home. In a symbiosis, partners protect each other, share food, and help each other survive.

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