A small bowl of yogurt with blueberries and granola on top. Probiotics are not necessary for human health, according to Mayo Clinic nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky. Nevertheless, they might possess many health benefits. Although research is limited, some studies suggest that probiotics may help prevent or treat a number of conditions and improve overall health and wellness. Probiotics are found in food sources as well as dietary supplements.
In mutualism, both organisms benefit. In commensalism, one benefits and the other is unaffected; in parasitism, one benefits and the other is harmed. Some of these relationships are so close that we speak of the composite of two species as one unit; for example, we speak of the composite of algae and fungi as lichens.n commensalism, one benefits and the other is unaffected; in parasitism, one benefits and the other is harmed. Some of these relationships are so close that we speak of the composite of two species as one unit; for example, we speak of the composite of algae and fungi as lichens.
Mutualism and parasitism. Some organisms rely on the presence of organisms of a different species. For example, oxpecker birds eat ticks and larvae infesting the skin of buffalo and other large animals. For this reason oxpeckers are called a cleaner species. This is an example of mutualism - both species benefit from the arrangement. Lichens are another example of mutualism. They are formed by algae and fungi living together. Algae can photosynthesise and make food, which is shared by the fungus.