Protocol is, instead, a social behavior established between individuals. Regard it as the etiquette of an ecosystem. Because protocol inevitably implies varying degrees of conscious behavior communicated between species, it may be unfairly construed to be anthropomorphic which is the precise reason we never encounter the concept within the standard lexicon of field biology. But who can honestly say where instinct ends, and a mutual conscious regard between individuals begins. Symbiosis thus refers primarily to relations between species.
Protocol refers to relations between individuals.
We suffer as well. Who can deny that nature is everywhere in retreat. This cessation of protocol may eventually spell the death of humanity. Significantly, if a modern human being is to accept the concept of protocol he or she must also accept the idea that animals are possessed of individuality and distinct personalities. Permit another example.