Mutualism

-is a positive reciprocal relationship between

two species. Through this relationship both
species enhance their survival, growth or
fitness. To a certain extent the relationship is
more a reciprocal exploitation rather than a
cooperative effort on the part of the individuals
involved. (Smith, Ecology & Field Biology).

Mutualism

Mutualistic interactions, or mutualisms, are ubiquitous in

nature. This type of species interaction involves the
exchange of goods or services between two species, called
mutualist partners. By definition, each species involved in
a mutualism must receive a benefit from the interaction,
and that benefit usually comes at a cost (Bronstein 1994).
However, mutualist partners do not necessarily receive
equal benefits or incur equal costs. While the activities of
each partner benefits the other species in some way,
neither species behaves altruistically. Instead, each
species pursues its own selfish interest, and any benefit
incurred by the mutualist partner is an unintended
consequence of the interaction.

Mutualism can take on many forms:

Symbiosis: in which both organisms live

together in closely proximity, and in which
both generally derive benefit. The relationship
is obligate, meaning at least one of the
species must be involved in the relationship
to survive.
Non-symbiotic mutualism: the species do
not live together, nor are dependent on each
other; the relationship is facultative or
opportunistic but does profit the organisms
when together.

Pollination Mutualisms

is an association between a plant and a

pollinator wherein each partner benefits
from the other. Typically, the plant is
cross-pollinated with other plants of the
same speciesa system which mixes the
genetic material and creates strong and
vigorous seeds. The pollinator gets pollen
and nectaror bothwhich it uses to
nourish itself and the next generation.

Hummingbird
Hawkmoth drinking
from Dianthus.
Pollination is a classic
example of
mutualism.

Obligate versus Facultative Mutualisms

Obligate mutualisms are those in

which both
partners require the presence of the other
to survive and/or grow and/or reproduce/
Facultative mutualisms are those in
which the participating species can
survive/grow/reproduce without each
other, but do these things better if the
partner is present.

Example of Obligate Mutualism:

Ants and Acacia.Many species of plants in the genus

Acaciahave mutualistic ants of the genus
Pseudomyrmexassociated with them.

Benefits to Acacia:
Ants prevent herbivores from feeding on plant by killing them or

chasing them off. Ants remove any other plants growing nearby
or on their Acacia(which decreases competition)

Benefits to ants:
A safe home (ants live in the trunk, and enter by chewing

through the large hollow thorns).Plant provides two food

sources:
Extrafloral nectaries which provide nectar
Beltian bodies which are high in protein

Ants in Acacia tree

Example of
Facultative Mutualism
In many coral reefs, areas called cleaning stations
occur. Here, several species of fish and shrimp act as
cleaners, removing dead skin and parasites from
larger fish that come to the station. Cleaners
commonly enter the mouths of these clients without
being eaten. Both can exist without the other
Benefits to client:
Removal of parasites = better health

Benefits to cleaner:
Food
Protection (since clients may guard cleaners from
other predators)

Fish and
shrimp act as
cleaners

Cleaners
commonly enter
the mouths of
these clients
without being
eaten.