Mutualism

Definition

A type of symbiotic relationship between two different species where both species benefit from the interaction.

Etymology

From Latin 'mutuus', meaning 'mutual' or 'reciprocal', and '-ism', a suffix used to form nouns indicating a practice or system.

Example

The mutualism between ants and aphids involves ants protecting aphids from predators in exchange for honeydew secreted by the aphids.

Synonyms

• Symbiotic partnership
• Cooperation
• Reciprocal relationship

Related Terms

• Symbiosis
• Commensalism
• Parasitism
• Interaction

Usage Notes

Mutualism is distinct from commensalism, where only one species benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed, and parasitism, where one species benefits at the expense of the other.