Symbiosis (from Ancient Greek sýn “with” and bíōsis “living“) is close and often long-term interaction between different biological species.  In 1877, Bennett used the word symbiosis (which previously had been used to describe people living together in community) to describe the mutualistic relationship in lichens.  In 1879, the German mycologist Heinrich Anton de Bary defined it as “the living together of unlike organisms.”

The definition of symbiosis is controversial among scientists. Some believe symbiosis should only refer to persistent mutualisms, while others believe it should apply to all types of persistent biological interactions (i.e. mutualistic, commensalistic, or parasitic).

Politicians are increasingly dependent upon corporate funding to win elections.  This dependency can interfere with policy decisions that are consistent with liberty and justice for all.