Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Layers of Symbiosis - Visualizing the Termite Hindgut Microbial Community
Published on: May 28, 2007
Are endosymbioses mutualistic?
1A.E. Douglas is at the Dept of Zoology, Oxford University, South Parks Road, Oxford OXI 3PS, UK.
Abstract:
Many animals, plants and protists contain non-parasitic microorganisms and these endosymbioses are widely assumed to be mutualistic. Most of the microorganisms possess metabolic capabilities, such as the ability to fix nitrogen, photosynthesize or degrade cellulose, that their partners utilize. However, as discussed in this article, there is scant evidence that the microorganisms benefit from such associations, and it is unclear how the benefit or harm incurred by microorganisms that require the association can be demonstrated.
Related Concept Videos
Microbial Interactions: Mutualism
Symbiosis
Microbial Interactions: Cooperation
Epiphytes, Parasites, and Carnivores
Microbial Interactions: Parasitism
Microbe-Plant Interactions

