mutualism

mu·tu·al·ism  (mych--lzm)

n.

An association between organisms of two different species in which each member benefits.

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mutu·al·istic adj.

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mutualism  (mych--lzm)

A symbiotic relationship in which each of the organisms benefits. In obligate mutualism the interacting species are interdependent and cannot survive without each other. The fungi and algae that combine to form lichen are obligate mutualists. In the more common facultative mutualism the interacting species derive benefit without being fully dependent. Many plants produce fruits that are eaten by birds, and the birds later excrete the seeds of these fruits far from the parent plant. While both species benefit, the birds have other food available to them, and the plants can disperse their seeds when the uneaten fruit drops. Compare amensalismcommensalismparasitism

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mutualism

the living together of two organisms in a mutually beneficial relationship.

See also: Biology

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the principle or practice of mutual dependence as the condition of individual and social welfare. — mutualist, n.

See also: Behavior

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

mutualism - the relation between two different species of organisms that are interdependent; each gains benefits from the other symbiosis interdependence, interdependency, mutuality - a reciprocal relation between interdependent entities (objects or individuals or groups) trophobiosis - a symbiotic relation in which one organism protects the other in return for some kind of food product