Reciprocity is a common phenomenon in nature, and one of the most well-known is pollination by insects and birds such as hummingbirds. These creatures feed on the nectar of the flowers while transporting pollen from one flower to another to ensure their reproduction. It is a beneficial symbiotic relationship for both the species involved and the ecosystem in general. In certain cases it is observed that a dominant species or a species with greater defensive resources tends to protect the weaker species. In return for this protection, the favored species develops skills or adopts customs that are beneficial to its counterpart. This symbiotic relationship benefits both species involved.
The Spider and the Toad
The narrow-mouthed toad and the tarantula have an interesting mutual understanding. Normally, the tarantula feeds on small frogs, but in this particular case, the toad eats the parasites that infest the tarantula’s eggs. In return, the spider allows the toad to live in its underground burrow and protects it from potential enemies such as owls by shooting stinging hairs in its eyes.
The lizard and the scorpion
The Saharan spiny-tailed lizard has an interesting survival strategy. To protect themselves from the scorching heat and predators like desert bedouins who relish their taste, these lizards dig burrows in which to hide. These caves provide them with a safe haven in the arid desert environment.
In nature, there is an interesting symbiosis between a reptile and a fat-tailed scorpion. The reptile offers shelter to the scorpion in exchange for its protection. When a human goes in search of the appetizing reptile, the arachnid will defend it with its venomous bite, which can be very painful.
The Bird and the Buffalo
In sub-Saharan Africa, two species live in harmony: the maggot chopper, a bird, and the cape buffalo, a mammal. These two species have a very special and unique relationship with each other.
The ox and the bird have a very interesting symbiotic relationship. The buffalo provides protection for the bird on its back, allowing it to fend off potential attackers. In return, the bird appreciates this protection, eliminating parasites such as bedbugs, ticks or buffalo lice, which are delicious food for it. In addition to collaborating with buffalo, this bird also serves other mammals and even the occasional crocodile.
The fish and the shrimp
The goby and the blind shrimp have a very close symbiosis as they live in the same hole. The goby, which is larger and has excellent eyesight, acts as a guard while the shrimp takes care of other aspects. This cooperation is characterized by the constant contact between them via the antennae of the arthropods.
The caterpillar and the ants
There are several examples of reciprocity in tropical rainforests, such as the symbiotic relationship between a caterpillar and an ant colony. The caterpillar produces small drops of a sweet liquid that it uses to “bargain” with the ants, who in turn offer the caterpillar protection. When he turns into a chrysalis, they also take care of him, but as soon as the cocoon breaks, the butterfly must fly quickly, otherwise it will be attacked by its former defenders.
The moray eel and the shrimp
The moray eel is a carnivorous species of fish that lives in burrows and crevices deep in the sea. It has big and sharp teeth. However, he faces a problem: he cannot brush his teeth after eating. Instead, the red shrimp voluntarily took on this task and in return received the protection of this imposing fish.
The ant and the acacia
The ants use the megaphone acacia’s large, hollowed-out spines to build their nests. This provides them with effective protection from herbivores attempting to eat the plant’s shoots. In this way, the ants and the acacia maintain a beneficial relationship with each other. In addition, the ants often prune the plants near each tree, eliminating competition for soil nutrients. The acacia not only provides them with a safe haven, but also produces sugar-rich globules that serve as food for these protectors.
The Shark and the Fish
Sharks like the great white shark, blue shark, hammerhead shark, whale shark and even manta rays have a habit of heading to specific locations where pilot fish are found. These little fish are experts at cleaning the jaws, gills and skin of sharks. That way, not only do these little ones get a good meal, but while they’re busy with their big customers, nobody bothers them.
The ant and the aphid
There is a species of ant that, in exchange for protecting the aphids that settle on the plants near the anthills, provides them with a sweet nectar that they make from the sap of the stems and leaves they eat. Ants have an interesting behavior towards aphids. They groom them and massage their abdomens, which causes the aphids to expel droplets that the ants quickly gobble up. In addition, ants make sure that nobody gets close to their food suppliers.
The Fish and the Man
Piscitherapy is a type of peeling therapy where you dip your feet in an aquarium full of small fish called garra rufa. These fish have the peculiarity of gently eating the dead cells of human epithelial tissue, providing natural exfoliation. you will dr. called Fish and live in warm waters with a temperature of around 37 °C. Thanks to their eating habits, these fish find a comfortable habitat. In addition, they enjoy their favorite food and unknowingly benefit the people who use this technique. It is undoubtedly a kind of reciprocity.