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Friday, September 27, 2013

Symbiosis

sym·bi·o·sis  (smb-ss, -b-)
n. pl. sym·bi·o·ses (-sz)
1. Biology A close, prolonged association between two or more different organisms of different species that may, but does not necessarily, benefit each member.
2. A relationship of mutual benefit or dependence.

[Greek sumbisiscompanionship, from sumbiounto live together, from sumbiosliving together :sun-syn- + bioslife; see gwei- in Indo-European roots.]

Symbiosis has intrigued man for centuries.  But today, it interests me.

Most would argue that the two factions of the homo-sapiens category are the same specie, but I beg to differ.  There is clearly a certain measure of symbiosis present within this category between the male and female factions.  I will venture even further by stating that this "symbiosis" is entirely necessary for the survival of each faction- one cannot do without the other for any serious length of time.

Within the female faction, I suspect that it is a work of empathy, or compassion, or- let's just face it- PITY for the opposite faction.  But on behalf of the male faction, there is a noble desire to protect and provide, a sort of fathering instinct or- let's just face it - PRIDE.

Pity and Pride work together in a most interesting way.  Pity is obviously the more "gullable" word and thus likely the sole reason the female faction symbioses with the male faction.  Let us imagine a world between the two without symbiosis.  The male faction's abode would be rather bare, the direct opposite of his face and head.  His table would be continually full of indigestible leftovers and his diet might even be rather time-efficient and simple, consisting of basic proteins.  His clothing would be very practical and eco-friendly in the sense that there would never be a lot of it nor want of water to wash it.  Time would also be managed in a most interesting fashion.  It is likely that the beginning of each day would be spent preparing the daily meal, catching, cleaning, and cooking.  After eating the breakfast course, the male faction would settle down for a nap.  By the middle of the day they would arise and devour the lunch course, just the same as breakfast, and after that settle down for the noon-day nap.  After this, they would arise and devour the supper course and then again, retire for the remainder of the night - though several of them might arise for a snack at some point in the night.  

Now, let us take a look at the life of the female community without the symbiosis of the male faction.  I do not believe it would vary much from any group of females we witness today.  Work areas would be neat and tidy, pantries well-stocked, and houses well furnished.  Clothing would be washed, dried, and pressed as well as hair well-kempt.  You see, with or without the existence of man, females would still be trying to outdo each other.  However, one of the most notable and grave disadvantages would be the atmosphere around the female faction.  In their race to outdo the next female, a most horrendous pecking order would be established.  It would truly be a dog-eat-dog world.  Verbal battles would be un-ceasing, diminutive phrases would sound well into the night, tempers would flare, hair would fly, and objects would break.  With that said, we turn again the more docile and harmonious male community.  

As the female faction wars long into the night, the male community is busy commencing their mid-night snack: roast beef sandwiches without trimmings.  They eat quietly without much speaking.  Occasional grunts are heard denoting a request for the pass of a second portion and there is comradeship all through the monotony. And once the merriment has subsided, the male community is again enshrouded in blissful, grating snores.

So I have made my case.  And here, I present to you, dear reader, the remedy- in which the symbiosis was Providentially ordained.

Genesis
18And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone
I will make him an help meet for him. 
19And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.
20And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.
21And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; 
22And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
23And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
24Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
        
To be continued.....

Signed,
Theribov One

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