• Question: Why do we have some bacteria in our igestive system, that help prevent diseases?

    Asked by mgarrido13 to Kate, Kieren, Nicola, Rowena, Roy on 14 Mar 2014.
    • Photo: Kate Nicholson

      Kate Nicholson answered on 14 Mar 2014:

      They have a symbiotic relationship with us (one where we both benefit from the other) They get food as it passes through our system and we get protection as the destroy things that are harmful to us. Some relationships like this evolved so both species could survive where without each other it would be more difficult.

    • Photo: Rowena Fletcher-Wood

      Rowena Fletcher-Wood answered on 14 Mar 2014:

      Symbiosis – a mutually helpful relationship. They thrive in us and clean us of diseases at the same time. There are loads of examples of symbiotic relationships other than bacteria. Some kinds of shrimps clean the mouths of fish. The fish let them enter their mouths and clesn and then let them.go free because shrimps are so helpful. You could even consider the role of a guide dog as symbiotic. This is just nature’s way of saying you can get the best results by all working together!

    • Photo: Nicola Rogers

      Nicola Rogers answered on 15 Mar 2014:

      The bacteria also help us to digest food too

Comments