Symbiotic interactions refer to the close and long-term relationships between different species in an ecosystem. These interactions can be beneficial, detrimental, or neutral for the species involved. Symbiosis is a key driver of ecosystem functioning and can influence factors such as nutrient cycling, species diversity, and ecosystem resilience. Examples of symbiotic interactions include mutualism (both species benefit), commensalism (one species benefits, the other is unaffected), and parasitism (one species benefits, the other is harmed). Researchers studying symbiotic interactions often focus on understanding the mechanisms and consequences of these relationships for the organisms involved and the wider ecosystem.