We have numerous examples of symbiosis in Nature. In mutualistic symbiosis, both organisms benefit equally in their partnership. For example, plovers clean the teeth of crocodiles and in this seemingly altruistic act they are feeding themselves, from the food they extract from the crocodile’s teeth. In commensalism, the symbiotic relationship is such that one organism is benefited, but the other is neither harmed nor is it provided any advantage. Parasitism is that symbiotic relationship in which only one of the organisms benefits at the expense and demise of the other. The braconid wasp lays its eggs just beneath the skin of a tomato hornworm. As the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the hornworm, which ultimately results in its death. This is good news to organic gardeners, who wish to keep their prize tomato plants from being devoured by the hornworm. Ticks, fleas, lice, and mosquitos are other examples of parasitic relationships because they live on the blood of mammals, and often leave behind a disease organism in its host.
These symbiotic relationships offer strong scientific evidence of the oneness and interdependency of life. There exists an intricate balance in life, wherever the human species has not interfered. Predators need prey in order to survive. Prey needs predators to ensure that balance is maintained and that no single species over-populates. Within our own species, we have examples of all three aspects of symbiosis. The rich and powerful corporations that control our government and our world are parasites, living off the people, while remaining blind to the suffering that they cause. The government plays its part in commensalism by profiting from the people. This does not necessarily harm the people, nor does it provide for them. A mutualistic symbiosis can only exist when all the people recognize our oneness and our dependence upon one another and our planet. When we discard greed and selfishness and when we approach life with a desire to give to, rather than take from, we will begin to create a healthy symbiosis and balance. We will then live in a world of peace and harmony.
We have the knowledge we need to create a better world, but if we continue using more and more dangerous herbicides and pesticides, those species that we are attempting to eradicate, will continue to evolve immunities to protect themselves. The only species that we can possibly destroy permanently is our own. We are ultimately hurting ourselves. Humans have convinced themselves that they are intelligent, but isn’t this continued chemical warfare that we have waged on other species, pure stupidity?
