Mutualism

Introduction

Mutualism is a mutual kind of relationship, that is often found amongst all living organisms. In mutualism, all living organisms such as humans, animals, and birds are engaged. Some of the important microorganisms, such as fungi, viruses and bacteria’s are engaged in this process at certain stages in their life circle.

What is mutualism?

Mutualism is an important process in which a specific type of relationship between symbiont and a host is associated. In this process, both of the engaged organisms are benefited as no such harmful actions are carried out by any of the organisms. This mutual interaction can take place between same species and even within species from different groups.

Figure 1: Process of mutualism

The duration of this biological process may be shorter and even stay a little longer. The small organisms, engaged in the mutualism process are known as mutualists. The other partner, engaged with the mutualist is known as the host. For example, in the mutualism process between an ant and the nectar of acacia tree, the ant is the mutualist and the nectar of acacia tree is the host of this mutualism process.

Types of Mutualism

• Trophic mutualism − In the trophic mutualism process, both the engaged partners obtain nutrients and energy from each other in a complementary way, both the partners are specialized in such ways. As an example, cows do not possess the capability of digesting cellulose that is available in plants. In digesting that cellulose, the bacteria that are present in the cow’s rumen are helpful. Bacteria get a warm environment and food from the cow in return. This is an important example of trophic mutualism.

• Obligate mutualism − The nature of Obligate mutualism is co-dependent in nature. Both the non-symbiotic and symbiotic mutualism procedures can be the appropriate examples of this type of mutualism. Another effective example can be of yucca plant and moth. The yucca plant gets pollination from the moth and in return, the moth takes shelter and most importantly lays eggs in this tree. This tree’s seed also feeds the larva of that moth.

• Facultative mutualism − In this particular type of facultative mutualism, both the associated partners can coexist without being dependent on each other. A diffusive relationship is formed in this type of mutualism by using a varying mixture of different species.

Figure 2: Example of facultative mutualism

The biological relationship between honeybees and plants can be the most significant example of this mutualism procedure. Honey bees visit more than one plant in the process of collecting nectar. Some other insects visit all of these plants and the process of pollination takes place. While performing pollination, various insects act as pollinators.

• Dispersive mutualism − In a dispersive mutualism process, one of the two engaged partners receives food. In transferring pollen, the flowers are helped in contrast. As an example, the relationship between plants and honeybees can be mentioned. Honeybees require nectar from flowers which is necessary for preparing honey. The plants are benefited in return as the honeybees carry out the pollination at that time. While collecting nectar from plant to plant, the pollen grains get separated by the honeybees.

• Defensive mutualism − In a defensive mutualism process, one of the two partners receives shelter and food, and in return, the other partner helps in defending against parasites, predators and herbivores.

Figure 3: Example of defensive mutualism

The relationship between aphids and ants can be an important example of this type of mutualism. The aphids provide Honeydew to the ants. In return, the ants from some potential attackers and predators protect the eggs of aphids.

Mutualism: Examples

Symbiosis

Some of the symbiosis processes are harmful to both the engaged species. Mutualism and parasitism are not beneficial in nature, as one of the engaged partners of this mutualism process is not benefited in any terms. In the parasitism process, only the parasites are benefited. As an example, lice as it gets benefited from consuming nutrients from the host body.

In plants and humans

Plants provide oxygen to the air that is consumed by humans for a living. Humans release carbon dioxide which is required by the plants in preparing food. This is an example of a mutualism procedure. In this process, both the humans and plants are mutually benefited.

Rhinos and Oxpeckers

All types of bugs are removed from a rhino’s body by oxpeckers. All types of parasites are eaten by an oxpecker and in return, the rhinos provide food to these species. Both of these species are benefited equally.

Conclusion

The interaction process between two specific species is associated with the mutualism process. In describing the process of symbiosis, the procedure of mutualism is considered as an essential part. Then engaged species in symbiosis are known to be symbionts. Along with some other natural variations, mutualism is an important type of symbiotic relationship. In this essential ecological interaction procedure, cooperation, parasitism, predation, commensalism and competition are also associated.

FAQs

Q1. What is mutualistic interaction?

Ans. The nature of mutualistic interaction is ubiquitous in nature. In this interaction process exchange of services and goods is involved. Two specific species, known as mutualistic partners, are involved in this type of exchange process that is associated with this interaction procedure.

Q2. What are the key characteristics of mutualism?

Ans. In the mutualism process, an integral interaction is found within some symbiotic species. This type of interaction process is mutually beneficial for all involved species. In making the surviving procedure easier, mutualism is necessary.

Q3. What are the two most important benefits of mutualism?

Ans. In parasitizing any particular organism, any other organism can purloin benefits. Mutualism helps in gathering self-serving traits that can be helpful for a particular organism in enjoying beneficial components.

Q4. What are two significant limitations of mutualism?

Ans. The interaction process may be presented as detrimental. Equilibrium densities are also found to be increased by mutualism. This is often found to be above each specie’s individual carrying capacity. In relation to herbivory, predation, and cannibalism, the mutualism process’s limitation can be found.