The meaning of symbiotic relationships in ecology refers to the interactions between different species that live in close proximity to each other, often benefiting at least one of the parties involved. These relationships can be categorized as mutualism, where both species benefit; commensalism, where one benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed; and parasitism, where one organism benefits at the expense of the other. Understanding these interactions is essential for studying ecosystems and their dynamics, as they can influence biodiversity and species survival.