How many Biology terms do you recall from school lessons? How about Symbiosis, Commensalism and Parasitism?! Symbiosis describes a close and long-term relationship between different species. Commensalism is a symbiotic relationship in which one species benefits while the other is not affected, with examples such as barnacles and birds nesting in tree hollows. Parasitism is a symbiotic relationship in which the parasitic species benefits while the host species is harmed. This is less pleasant but obvious examples are mosquitos, fleas, aphids and tapeworms! Whilst not such an extreme example of parasitism, ivy does use the structure of a tree or bush to support its growth, subsequent domination and eventual destruction of its host plant. If this ivy is not dealt with, it will destroy this vine meaning there will be no more lovely fruit. Addictions act just like this.
- ‘I wanted to write about the moment when your addictions no longer hide the truth from you. When your whole life breaks down. That’s the moment when you have to somehow choose what your life is going to be about’ – Chuck Palahniuk
