kaitlynward
Mutualism comes in handy
This picture, taken on February 26, 2017, represents one habitat out of many places on the human body that microflora or "good bacteria" live. One common example of normal skin bacteria is staphylocci. The first line of immunological defense for humans is the skin, which provides a physical barrier against harmful agents. The normal bacteria have a mutualistic relationship with the human body. This means both the bacteria and the human benefit from each other. The human skin provides a stable environment, nutrients, protection, and transport for the good bacteria. In return, the microflora partake in scramble competition with harmful bacteria by occupying as much space as possible. This creates an uncomfortable environment and delays growth of bad bacteria. This is beneficial for humans by preventing any harmful agents growing/ entering the body. Microflora are part of the reason we stay healthy, so you could say they come in pretty "handy". As long as the microflora stay in a normal range, both individuals will continue to benefit, otherwise it could be classified as a parasitic relationship.
Additional source: textbookofbacteriology.net/normalflora_2.html
Mutualism comes in handy
This picture, taken on February 26, 2017, represents one habitat out of many places on the human body that microflora or "good bacteria" live. One common example of normal skin bacteria is staphylocci. The first line of immunological defense for humans is the skin, which provides a physical barrier against harmful agents. The normal bacteria have a mutualistic relationship with the human body. This means both the bacteria and the human benefit from each other. The human skin provides a stable environment, nutrients, protection, and transport for the good bacteria. In return, the microflora partake in scramble competition with harmful bacteria by occupying as much space as possible. This creates an uncomfortable environment and delays growth of bad bacteria. This is beneficial for humans by preventing any harmful agents growing/ entering the body. Microflora are part of the reason we stay healthy, so you could say they come in pretty "handy". As long as the microflora stay in a normal range, both individuals will continue to benefit, otherwise it could be classified as a parasitic relationship.
Additional source: textbookofbacteriology.net/normalflora_2.html