Which term refers to the interaction between members of two different species that live together in close association?

The term that refers to the interaction between members of two different species that live together in close association is symbiosis. This relationship can manifest in various forms, including mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism. In symbiosis, the two species involved may rely on each other for various benefits, such as food, protection, or transportation.

For example, in mutualism—one specific type of symbiosis—both species benefit from the interaction, like bees and flowers, where bees collect nectar for food while helping to pollinate the plants. Conversely, commensalism is another form where one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed. Parasitism, on the other hand, is where one species benefits at the expense of the other, causing harm to the host.

Understanding symbiosis is crucial in ecology as it highlights the interdependence of species within ecosystems and demonstrates how these relationships can influence biodiversity and ecosystem stability.