A relationship in which both species benefit is called?

A relationship in which both species benefit is called?

• A. Mutualism
• B. Predation
• C. Parasitism
• D. Commensalism

Answer: (A)

Mutualism is a relationship in which both species obtain a benefit. Each partner gains something that helps its survival or reproduction, such as food, nutrients, or protection. For example, flowers provide nectar to pollinators while pollinators help flowers reproduce by transferring pollen. In humans and their gut bacteria, microbes get a habitat and nutrients, while the host gains aid in digestion and nutrient absorption. Coral and the algae living in their tissues exchange energy: algae supply sugars via photosynthesis, and coral offers a protected environment and access to waste products used by the algae. This differs from predation, where one organism benefits by consuming another; from parasitism, where one benefits at the expense of the other; and from commensalism, where one benefits while the other is largely unaffected.

Mutualism is a relationship in which both species obtain a benefit. Each partner gains something that helps its survival or reproduction, such as food, nutrients, or protection. For example, flowers provide nectar to pollinators while pollinators help flowers reproduce by transferring pollen. In humans and their gut bacteria, microbes get a habitat and nutrients, while the host gains aid in digestion and nutrient absorption. Coral and the algae living in their tissues exchange energy: algae supply sugars via photosynthesis, and coral offers a protected environment and access to waste products used by the algae.

This differs from predation, where one organism benefits by consuming another; from parasitism, where one benefits at the expense of the other; and from commensalism, where one benefits while the other is largely unaffected.