Free-Living Organisms: Definition and Examples

Free-living refers to organisms that are not dependent on other organisms for their survival and can sustain themselves independently. In other words, they do not need to rely on others for food or shelter. Free-living organisms are capable of obtaining their own food and resources, and they are self-sufficient.

Examples of free-living organisms include:

1. Bacteria: Many species of bacteria are free-living and can survive in a variety of environments, such as soil, water, and the human gut.
2. Protozoa: Some protozoa, such as amoebas and paramecia, are free-living and feed on other microorganisms or small particles.
3. Fungi: Many species of fungi are free-living and can be found in soil, decaying organic matter, and other environments.
4. Plants: All plants are free-living, as they are capable of photosynthesizing and producing their own food.
5. Animals: Some animals, such as insects, reptiles, and birds, are free-living and do not rely on others for food or shelter.

In contrast, organisms that are not free-living are called obligate organisms. Obligate organisms are dependent on other organisms for their survival and cannot sustain themselves independently. Examples of obligate organisms include parasites, which rely on a host organism for food and shelter, and mutualistic organisms, which rely on another organism for resources or protection.