Mutualism: Definition, Types, and Examples
Mutualism Definition
A Mutualism is a type of symbiosis in biology and ecology in which both species benefit from the relationship. It’s an example of a natural symbiotic interaction. Commensalism, parasitism, predation, collaboration, and competition are all examples of common ecological interactions between or among organisms. “Symbiosis,” according to ecologists, is a close, long-term relationship between creatures of different species. The phrase is used as a synonym for mutualism in certain older instances. Symbiosis, on the other hand, is a vaguer term. It encompasses all types of relationships that occur in an ecosystem, not just mutualistic ones. Furthermore, not all partnerships are solely beneficial or constructive.Â
Mutualism Etymology
Mutualism is derived from the Latin matu (us), which means “mutual,” “reciprocal,” and the Greek –ismos, –isma, which means “often directly,” “often through.” A Mutual relationship is a synonym for a mutual relationship. Mutualism is demonstrated by the ants herding and protecting the aphids from insect predators, while the aphids provide honeydew for the ants.
What is Mutualism?
Mutualism describes the ecological interaction between two or more species where each species has a net benefit. Other exchanges put one of the individuals in danger. In the parasitic mode of connection (also known as parasitism), a creature known as the parasite profits while the other (known as the host) suffers the majority of the harm, as intestinal worms, ticks, and fleas exploit their hosts.
On the other hand, there are times when an organism benefits from the interaction yet does not harm its host. Commensalism is a type of symbiosis in which one party benefits while the other is generally uninjured and does not benefit from the relationship. The organism that is totally dependent on it is known as a commensal.
Commensal birds that live in hollow trees are an example of this. As a result, one of the defining aspects of mutualism is that organisms gain from one another. Mutualism enhances biological fitness rather than lowers it, as parasitism does. The advantages could include access to nourishment, protection, or other life functions. Because the species trade resources (such as carbohydrates or inorganic substances) or services, it might be viewed as a type of “biological barter” (such as protection from predators or gamete dispersal).
The favourable (or positive) outcomes of a partnership must outweigh the costs of the affiliation in order for it to be deemed a mutualism. Otherwise, it will be misinterpreted as parasitism or predation, rather than mutualism.
Mutualism is compared to collaboration because of the good outcomes of the association. The latter, on the other hand, is an intraspecific relationship. The organisms involved in mutualism are from different species (i.e., interspecific). However, the mutualistic relationship may not last indefinitely. When the circumstances are favourable, the positive relationship is maintained.
Mutualism may be disrupted if this does not happen. It’s possible that one participant will benefit while the other does not. In some cases, the association causes harm to the other. The link between humans and normal gut flora is an example of this. Beneficial bacteria can be found in the human intestines. The human intestine provides a substrate for these microorganisms.
In exchange, they offer humans essential substances (such as vitamins) that they cannot produce on their own. When the human body gets weak and immunocompromised, this mutualism can be interrupted. There’s a chance that these bacteria will turn on their human hosts and transform into opportunistic pathogens (i.e., agents of disease).
Types of Mutualism
Some mutualistic interactions are so important and significant that the members become reliant on one another for survival. As a result, these creatures in a mutually advantageous relationship are frequently observed living in close proximity. In other cases, the participants are not very reliant on one another and may benefit from the association on occasion or when the opportunity arises. The two types of mutualism are compulsory and facultative mutualism.
The species participating in obligate mutualism are in close contact and are interdependent. This meant that if one was missing, the other would perish. They couldn’t survive if they didn’t have each other. As a result, they tend to coexist and evolve in tandem. Lichen is a frequent example of mutualism that is used to define and explain it.
The algal component of a lichen supplies water and minerals to the algae, while the fungal component offers “food” to the fungi. Algae (mainly green algae) produce food via photosynthesis using minerals and water. Separating one component from the other via scientific or laboratory methods will result in the extinction of both species, as neither can grow or reproduce without the other. As a result, they properly illustrate compulsory mutualism.
The interacting species gain from one another but are not completely reliant on one another in facultative mutualism. As a result, one can live without the other. In nature, this is the most widespread form of mutualism. Let’s have a look at how plants and birds interact in a mutualistic fashion, as an example. Birds eat the fruits that the trees produce. In exchange, the birds aid in the dispersal of the seeds, for example, by excreting them in locations far from the parent plant. Because its offspring may someday compete for space, light, and nutrients, this is good for the parent plant.
Mutualism is exemplified by the instances above. The advantages are directly realised by the participants. In some cases, the organism reaps indirect benefits. When two predator species have a negative impact on a rival species that preys on the same prey species, this is an indirect sort of mutualism. An intermediary species is involved in indirect mutualism. And in the case at hand, the middleman is an adversary of a foe, so it’s a buddy who helps out in a roundabout way. It might also be regarded positively: a friend of a friend could be interpreted as a friend indirectly assisting. For example, if a bird eats a fruit and then drops it on the ground, fruit-eating insects will be provided for indirectly. When insects eat them, the seeds are quickly released from the fruit and fall to the ground.
Mutualism Examples
i. Bees and Flower
Insect pollination is a typical example of mutualism. For example, a bee pollinates a flower by collecting nectar from various flowers and converting it into food. Pollen grains stick to its hairy body when it settles on a flower. As a result, when it goes to another bloom, it distributes pollen to that flower, increasing plant reproduction.
ii. Hermit Crab and Anemones
The hermit crabs shell provides a safe haven for anemones. In exchange, the anemone uses its sting to protect the animal from predators.
iii. Oxpecker and Rhino or Zebra
Another example of mutualism is an oxpecker (a type of bird) riding on the back of a rhino or zebra. The rhino and zebra benefit from this bird’s activity since it acts as a biological pest management. Ticks and other parasites on the rhino/skin zebra are eaten by oxpeckers. Furthermore, when they fly aloft and scream when they feel danger nearby, they send a warning signal to rhinos and zebras.
iv. Legume Roots and Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria
Another example of mutualism in action is the production of root nodules in legumes. Beneficial bacteria colonies (such as Rhizobium) in the bean roots generate root nodules. The plant offers a home (root cells) for these beneficial bacteria, and the bacteria transform air nitrogen into a form that the plant can use.
v. Humans and Cohabitants
Ecologically and environmentally sustainable human societies are now being created. The premise and goal of encouraging harmony with other species living in the same habitat is being implemented in the construction of healthier cities. These cities are developed and structured around the concepts of living in harmony with nature and balancing human health and environmental concerns.
Mutualism Citations
- Understanding the coevolutionary dynamics of mutualism with population genomics. Am J Bot . 2016 Oct;103(10):1742-1752.
- The evolution of mutualism. J Evol Biol . 2010 Dec;23(12):2507-28.
- Deciphering the Biodiversity-Production Mutualism in the Global Food Security Debate. Trends Ecol Evol . 2020 Nov;35(11):1011-1020.
- Innate immunity and cnidarian-Symbiodiniaceae mutualism. Dev Comp Immunol . 2019 Jan;90:199-209.
- Mutualism between antagonists: its ecological and evolutionary implications. Integr Zool . 2021 Jan;16(1):84-96.
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