Symbiosis in Science Fiction

Image via WikipediaI find it curious and interesting that a symbiotic relationship between two different beings has been subject to intense story telling in Science Fiction and specifically in Star Trek and StarGate. When I have had a symbiotic relationship it has been of the parasitic nature and the experience was not beneficial to me in any way. In that sense, I can relate to the Goa'uld of StarGate, because they are negative,conquering creatures who take unwilling hosts as I was unwilling when used as a host for a parasite. Only the Goa'uld benefit from this symbiotic relationship thus falling into the category of parasitism. The Trill of Star Trek are very different because they are two different beings that evolved together on the planet Trill and became a joined species that work together in harmony and each new host receives the smaller symbiont that carries the memories of the previous host thus making us feel that each host will never really die. As opposed to parasitism, this kind of relationship would be considered more of a mutualistic relationship. This made me look more favorably on the symbiotic relationship and recognize that symbiosis is positive when it favors evolution as is the case with flowers and animals that pollinate them. Each needs the other to survive and evolve. The Trill have become one of my favorite fictional characters because I was once horrified at the thought of being joined to any creature. Even in StarGate the Tok'ra only join willing hosts which does seem more appealing than being forced.
I do learn a lot from watching or reading science fiction because I ponder ideas and concepts that I would have never considered before being introduced to these new topics that really are not new just presented in a future or other worldly setting.
I look forward to more interesting science fiction stories in the future that will continue to expand my horizons and thinking. That is what I love about science fiction.