Showerthoughts

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A "Showerthought" is a simple term used to describe the thoughts that pop into your head while you're doing everyday things like taking a shower, driving, or just daydreaming. A showerthought should offer a unique perspective on an ordinary part of life.

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Why do people say "symbiotic relationship" when they really mean "mutualistic"? (self.showerthoughts)

submitted 6 months ago by Emerald to c/showerthoughts

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) (1 children)

My guess is that it's a simpler word that is more memorable and 'biological' sounding. So people are more likely to remember it over mutualism

[–] [email protected] 5 points 6 months ago

There's also a level of understanding vs. utility involved. Being aware that there are subtypes of symbiotic relationship doesn't necessitate using them in day to day conversation, as most ppl just remember that they learned about the category.

To biologists, however, there's a world of difference.