Hermit crabs and sea anemones have a symbiotic relationship, meaning they live in harmony together.

The association between a sedentary sea anemone and a hermit crab is an example of symbiosis.

Symbiosis:
Symbiosis is a close and long-term interaction between two different species living together in a mutually beneficial relationship. It can be classified into three types: mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.

Explanation:
In this case, the sea anemone and the hermit crab have a mutualistic symbiotic relationship, where both species benefit from their association.

Benefits to the sea anemone:
1. Protection: The sea anemone gets protection from potential predators by attaching itself to the shell of the hermit crab. It can retract its tentacles into the shell for safety when threatened.
2. Increased Food Availability: As the hermit crab moves around searching for food, the sea anemone catches small organisms and debris in the water with its stinging tentacles. This increases its access to food sources.

Benefits to the hermit crab:
1. Camouflage: The sea anemone's colorful and venomous tentacles provide the hermit crab with a protective covering. It helps the hermit crab blend in with its surroundings, making it less visible to predators.
2. Defense: The sea anemone's stinging cells deter potential predators from attacking the hermit crab.

Interdependence:
The association between the sea anemone and the hermit crab is considered interdependent because both species rely on each other for survival and protection. They have coevolved over time, with the hermit crab providing the sea anemone with transportation and access to food, while the sea anemone offers protection and defense to the hermit crab.

Conclusion:
The symbiotic association between the sedentary sea anemone and the hermit crab is an example of mutualism. Both species benefit from their interaction, with the sea anemone gaining protection and increased food availability, and the hermit crab obtaining camouflage and defense.