mutualistic Definition
pertaining to or characterized by mutualism, a relationship between two species of organisms in which both benefit from the association.
Using mutualistic: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "mutualistic" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The mutualistic relationship between bees and flowers is essential for pollination.
Example
The fungus provides the plant with nutrients, while the plant provides the fungus with carbohydrates in a mutualistic relationship.
Example
The oxpecker bird feeds on ticks and other parasites on the skin of large mammals, while the mammal benefits from the removal of these pests in a mutualistic relationship.
mutualistic Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for mutualistic
- symbiotic
- cooperative
- mutually beneficial
Summary: mutualistic in Brief
The term 'mutualistic' [myoo-choo-uh-lis-tik] describes a relationship between two species of organisms in which both benefit from the association. Examples include the relationship between bees and flowers, where bees pollinate flowers and flowers provide bees with nectar, and the relationship between oxpecker birds and large mammals, where birds feed on ticks and other parasites on the skin of mammals, while mammals benefit from the removal of these pests.
