Glossary

Commensal

Commensality is a long-term association between two living organisms from which each benefits. They help each other by feeding, protecting, or reproducing. (See host, symbiosis.)

Geodia

Geodia are a genus of siliceous sponges. They are eaten by hawksbill turtles, also known as hawksbill turtles.

Host

In biology, a host is an organism that harbors a parasite, a mutual partner, or a commensal partner, generally providing it with shelter and food.

Mimicry

Mimicry is an adaptive strategy of imitation. This allows, for example, a species to escape potential predators. Mimetic strategies are of various types, such as species that possess means of escaping the predator’s sight—this is known as camouflage or cryptic mimicry — or the act of impersonating another species, for example, by adopting the attributes of inedible or even dangerous species. However, mimicry can also serve other purposes, such as reproduction or predation.

Symbiosis

Symbiosis is a close and lasting association between two heterospecific organisms (different species). The smaller organism is generally called the symbiont, while the other is called the host.