Symbiosis, in which two different species join forces to survive, is a fascinating phenomenon. A recent paper in Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology reports on the symbiosis of a sea anemone and a sea snail. Regardless of whether humans can be selfless, I think everyone can agree that anemones and snails can not be selfless. Symbiosis mutually benefits both parties, and this benefit can not be a psychic high when you’re talking about animals without a brain. Part of my fascination with symbiosis is understanding what those benefits are. In this example, the snail provides transportation for the anemone to more bountiful waters and the anemone provides protection for the snail from predators. (via ScienceBlogs)

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