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examples. Mr. Belden pointed out that the reason that viruses like ebola rarely managed to kill off entire species was because they were self-limiting. The more hosts they killed, the more difficult it was for them to find new homes. Eventually, the mechanisms they were using to spread themselves around weren't sufficient to carry them to every potential new host. If some of the hosts survived the initial onslaught of the parasite, they might also develop immunities.
    Unlike parasites, mutualistic organisms benefitted both the host and carrier. Mr. Belden used the relationship between dogs and humans as an example of mutualistic organisms. Humans trained dogs to hunt and perform other tasks for them. In return, humans provided food and shelter for dogs. Consequently both species benefitted. Mr. Belden asked the class to consider which type of relationship was the better one from an evolutionary standpoint. The obvious answer, and the one that Belden agreed with, was that mutualism was a far more efficient way for species to interact.
    The most interesting part of the discussion occurred near the end of class. Mr. Belden stated that it was his personal belief that Darwin's theory of evolution was missing a crucial component, that of symbiosis. Darwin's theory posited that evolution was driven by competition alone, but Mr. Belden believed that evolution was driven as much by interaction and cooperation between species as it was by competition. Despite the distraction of the girl seated next to him, Jody was captivated.
    The class flooded out when the bell rang, all but two students. Jody and Missy stayed behind. They talked enthusiastically about what they had just learned, and then moved on to other subjects. Jody thought he could detect a slight, bemused smile on Mr. Belden's face. Jody's mind raced ahead of the conversation, frantically trying to figure out how to continue connecting to his newfound friend. Missy beat him to the punch.
    "Hey, I'm on BFF, are you?" she asked.
    "No, I'm still on Facebook," Jody reluctantly admitted.
    "Ewww, Facebook, that's so last decade," she said. BFF.com was the latest social media craze. As Facebook had done to MySpace, and MySpace to Friendster, BFF had pushed Facebook almost off the web.
    "Yeah, I know," Jody conceded. "I just haven't gotten around to getting off." The truth was that up until now, there hadn't been a reason for him to sign off from Facebook. Facebook was about "friending," and Jody's supply of friends was limited.
    "Well, I'm on it," said Missy. "Why don't you sign up tonight, and we can talk to each other?"
    Jody's heart fluttered. She was inviting him?! He had assumed it would have to be the other way around. He tried hard not to convey how excited he was, to stay "cool."
    "Yeah, O.K., I've been meaning to do it anyway," he answered.
    "Cool," said Missy. "I'll be on at 8:00. Let's viddy, if you can make it."
    Jody had no idea how BFF's viddying worked, but he wasn't about to miss this opportunity.
    "Cool, so we'll talk tonight. See you at eight," he said.
    Missy stood up and waited patiently for Jody to get out of his chair. To his horror, she extended her hand to help him. She obviously knew how messed up he really was. He tried to avoid taking her hand, but she grabbed his hand and pulled ever so slightly, just enough to ease his exit from the chair. When he was up, he tried to withdraw his hand from hers, but she held on.
    "Just because I'm holding your hand doesn't mean we're going together or anything, so don't get ideas," she said in a teasing tone. Mr. Belden looked up and smiled at the two of them.
    "I hope you two are aware of the rules against P.D.A. in this school," he warned. "I don't have a problem with it, but you know how some of the other teachers are, so don't let it get out of control." His tone was warm. Missy answered for both of them.
    "I already told Jody not to get any ideas, Mr. Belden, but thanks for the warning."
    Jody beamed as the two of