Lakhasly

P9

In the wild, animals face daily challenges for survival, constantly seeking food while avoiding predators. Some animals have discovered that cooperating with others eases these struggles. This type of mutually beneficial relationship is called symbiosis.

One striking example of symbiosis involves the formidable African crocodile and the tiny plover bird. When a plover is present, a crocodile opens its large, sharp-toothed jaws, seemingly inviting the bird inside. Surprisingly, the plover accepts this invitation, and even more astonishingly, the usually aggressive crocodile doesn't close its jaws and consume the plover. Instead, it remains motionless until the bird leaves. The explanation lies in symbiosis. The plover diligently picks out tiny pieces of meat lodged between the crocodile's teeth, effectively cleaning them and preventing infections. As the crocodile is unable to clean its own teeth, it relies on the plover for this service. In return, the crocodile offers the plover an easy meal.

P9

For animals in the wild, each day is a struggle to survive. They must continually search for food, while at the same time keeping themselves safe from predators. Some animals have learned that teaming up with another animal makes the struggle to find food, shelter, and safety a bit easier. This kind of special relationship in which animals depend upon and benefit from one another is called symbiosis.

One of the most visually surprising examples of symbiosis occurs between the fearsome African crocodile and the small plover bird. When a plover is nearby, a crocodile will open its long, sharp-toothed jaws to invite it inside. You might assume that the plover would quickly reject this invitation and fly off. Yet surprisingly, the plover does hop inside. Perhaps even more amazingly, the crocodile, normally known for its aggression, does not snap its mouth shut and have the plover for a snack. Instead, it remains still, not closing its mouth until the plover leaves. How can this strange behavior be explained? The answer is symbiosis. The plover picks out all the small pieces of meat stuck between the crocodile's teeth. In doing so, it cleans the crocodile's teeth, which prevents it from getting infections. Because the crocodile can not clean its own teeth, it depends on the plover to perform this service. In return, the crocodile provides an easy meal for the plover,