mutualism Definition
- 1a relationship between two species of organisms in which both benefit from the association
- 2a doctrine or system that emphasizes the mutual dependence of people or groups
Using mutualism: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "mutualism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The bee and the flower have a mutualistic relationship.
Example
The mutualism between the clownfish and the sea anemone is a classic example of symbiosis.
Example
The mutualism between the two companies led to a successful merger.
mutualism Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for mutualism
Phrases with mutualism
a type of mutualism in which the species involved cannot survive without each other
Example
The yucca plant and the yucca moth have an obligate mutualism.
a type of mutualism in which the species involved can survive independently but benefit from the association
Example
The relationship between ants and aphids is an example of facultative mutualism.
Example
The partnership between the two companies was based on mutualism in business.
Summary: mutualism in Brief
Mutualism [myoo-choo-uh-liz-uhm] is a relationship between two species of organisms in which both benefit from the association. It can be obligate, where the species cannot survive without each other, or facultative, where the species can survive independently but benefit from the association. The term also refers to a doctrine or system that emphasizes the mutual dependence of people or groups, as in mutualism in business.
