symbiotic relationships
Symbiosis is interaction between two different organisms living in close physical association, typically to the advantage of both. There are three types of symbolic relationships, they are mutualism, commensalism and parasitism. Mutualism is symbiosis that is beneficial to both organisms involved. An example of mutualism in the taiga biome is when Lichen grows on conifer trees. The tree benefits from the Lichen by gaining nutrients from it and the Lichen benefit by getting fed from the dead parts of the tree. An example of commensalism would be when birds, such as eagles and owls make nests in the pines of the taiga. The birds gather needles and other material and piece them together to make nests in the branches. The tree is not benefitting from this, not getting harmed. Finally, an example of parasitism would be when the Elk and Caribou of the taiga get a parasite called Brain worms. The worms dig into the brain and drive the animals insane, and eventually kills it.