Mutualism

We explain what mutualism is and its relationship with symbiosis. Also, what is commensalism, predation and parasitism.

Mutualism - flower and bee
Mutualism is important for increasing biodiversity.

What is mutualism?

Mutualism is a type of relationship between species or interspecific relationship, in which the two individuals involved obtain a mutual benefit that is, they both benefit from their association. This type of link does not cause harm to anyone.

Mutual relationships are very important in the ecological dynamics of the environment, especially in the increase in biodiversity and in the maximum use of available natural resources, as well as in the paths that evolution takes.

These types of associations between species can be understood as a kind of biological barter or exchange in which each species gives and gains something. Depending on what was transferred and what was gained, they can be classified as follows:

  • Resource-resource relationships In them, the two species exchange some type of substance or biological resource that is essential for both, so that their relationship provides a material gain to each one.
  • Service-natural resource relationships In them, the exchange of some produced resource occurs, as in the previous case, in exchange for some action or behavior that is beneficial.
  • Service-service relationships It is the least common type of relationship, in which what is exchanged by the species is some type of behavior or action, in such a way that both benefit.

See also: Endemic species

Mutualism and symbiosis

Symbiosis - lichens
Lichens are intimate associations between fungi and algae.

Symbiosis is a type of mutualism in which there is a very close degree of association between the two species. So much so, that they lead a life together and are often indistinguishable from each other. Obviously, this cooperation presents significant benefits for both species, hereinafter known as symbionts.

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The traditional example of symbiosis is constituted by lichens, intimate associations of a fungus and an algae in which vital space is shared and moisture and structure (from the fungus) are exchanged for carbohydrates from photosynthesis (from the algae).

Continue in: Symbiosis

Commensalism

Commensalism - mutualism
Anemones protect clownfish from predators.

Commensalism relationships (from the Latin cum mensa, that is, “sharing the table”) are beneficial for some of the individuals involved in it (and which is now called commensal), without this benefit resulting in any type of damage or benefit for the other individual.

An example of this is the use of stinging anemones or fire corals by clownfish which thus obtain protection from their predators without causing discomfort to anyone.

Predation

Predation - predator - mutualism
An example of predation could be a lion hunting a gazelle for food.

In the case of predation, one species causes harm (i.e. death) to another in order to feed on it, consuming the organic matter that makes up its body. Thus, the consumer is called the predator and the consumed is called the prey.

An example of this occurs between the African lions and the gazelles on which they usually feed which must flee to preserve their lives and not be devoured by this ferocious predator.

Parasitism

Parasitism - mutualism - mosquito
Female mosquitoes must bite other animals for food.

In these types of relationships one individual feeds on the body of another or uses it to perpetuate its biological cycle causing him harm in the process. This damage can be lethal, but it is not usually massive and direct, but rather slow and progressive, so the parasite can cohabit in the body of the parasitized for some time.

It is the case of mosquitoes and other blood-sucking insects whose females must “sting” other animals (generally warm-blooded) to feed and be able to fertilize the eggs that will continue the species.

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Examples of mutualism

Some examples of mutualism are:

  • Bees and flowers This symbiotic relationship dates back millennia and is very important for preserving plant life in the world. The bees, attracted by the sweetness of the flowers, sip the nectar inside and unknowingly become impregnated with the plant's pollen, taking it to another plant and thus promoting genetic exchange between plants.
  • Bacterial flora and humans In our intestines there is a bacterial flora, that is, a set of bacterial species that, instead of infecting and injuring us, help us break down food and digest, also benefiting in the process.
  • Birds and livestock Cows, oxen, even wild species like rhinos are often seen with birds standing on their backs, pecking at them without harming them. This is because birds feed on the ticks and lice that these animals have, eliminating that nuisance in return.
  • Ants and aphids Ants, so territorial, do not usually harm certain types of aphids, but rather protect them. This is because, in return, the aphids share with them a sweet nectar that they extract from the sap of the plants.
  • The mycorrhizae This name is known as the union of the roots of trees and a certain type of fungi, consisting of an exchange of moisture (from the fungus) for nutrients (from the plant), which is mutually beneficial.

References

  • “Mutualism (biology)” on Wikipedia.
  • “Mutualism” in The Biology Guide.
  • “Mutualism” in Biology Dictionary.
  • “Mutualism (biology)” in Encylopaedia Britannica.
  • “10 mutualism examples” (video) Moo Moo Math and Science.