ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Symbiogenesis

Symbiogenesis is when two or more living things become really good friends and start living together. It's like when you and your best friend share your toys and crayons and play together all the time. But in symbiogenesis, they're not just playing – they're helping each other live and grow, like a team.

Sometimes, these friends become so close that they can't live without each other anymore. They become like family, and they're both important for each other's survival. This kind of friendship is called symbiosis, and it happens a lot in nature.

For example, think of a clownfish and a sea anemone. The clownfish lives inside the anemone's tentacles, where it's protected from predators. In return, the clownfish helps keep the anemone clean and healthy. They're both happier together than they would be alone.

Another example is when plants and bacteria become friends. Some plants have little bacteria living in their roots. These bacteria help the plant take in more nutrients from the soil. The plant provides the bacteria with sugar, and they both benefit!

In summary, symbiogenesis is when living things become really close friends and help each other live and grow. Sometimes they even become inseparable, and they're both important for each other's survival. It's like having a best friend forever!