ABSTRACT
Symbiotic relationships have no doubt existed for eons. In fact, it would seem almost impossible to identify a biological system in its native habitat that does not participate in some form of symbiosis. This inclusiveness is only possible because the concept of symbiosis, as originally defined by de Bary (Smith and Douglas, 1987), is very broad in scope, encompassing many different forms of interaction between two organisms. Symbiotic associations include those that are pathogenic, parasitic, mutualistic, commensalistic, and numerous overlaps between these delimiters. Although often debated, de Bary's definition has stood the test of time and is now accepted by most students in this field. Based on this broadly accepted definition, it could then be argued that the description of an in situ biological system that in no way interacts with another would seem quite illogical. Therefore, the discussion and research on symbiotic systems transcend all biological disciplines.
