PHORESIS Meaning and
Definition
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Phoresis refers to a biological phenomenon in which a smaller organism or particle is transported or carried by a larger organism, without being directly dependent on the larger organism for survival or sustenance. This term is commonly used in the field of biology, particularly in the study of symbiotic relationships, where it describes the form of transport or dispersal between different organisms.
Phoresis can occur in various ways. For instance, it can involve a phoretic symbiosis, where the smaller organism attaches itself to the larger organism, often using specialized appendages or adaptations. The larger organism then inadvertently carries the smaller organism to different locations, providing a mode of dispersal and potential access to new resources.
This phenomenon is distinct from true symbiosis, where a smaller organism lives in or on a larger organism for mutual benefit, and commensalism, where one organism benefits while the other is unaffected. Phoresis does not involve a long-term, mutually dependent relationship between the organisms involved.
Examples of phoresis can be found across different biological systems. In the natural world, mites are often known to hitch a ride on insects, enabling them to travel to new habitats. Similarly, certain plant seeds may utilize animal fur or feathers to disperse and propagate in diverse locations.
Overall, phoresis highlights a form of transportation in which one organism is unintentionally involved in facilitating the move or dispersal of another organism or particle, ultimately leading to potential advantages for both parties involved.
Common Misspellings for PHORESIS
- ohoresis
- lhoresis
- 0horesis
- pgoresis
- pboresis
- pnoresis
- pjoresis
- puoresis
- pyoresis
- phiresis
- phkresis
- phlresis
- phpresis
- ph0resis
- ph9resis
- phoeesis
- phodesis
- phofesis
- photesis
- pho5esis
Etymology of PHORESIS
The word "phoresis" comes from the Greek word "phorēsis", which means "carriage" or "conveyance". It is derived from the verb "pherō", meaning "to carry" or "to bear". In a broader sense, "phoresis" can be understood as the physiological or ecological process of one organism carrying another organism.
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