Mutualism

Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship in which both species benefit from the interaction. Mutualism is another word for cooperation. Here are 3 examples of mutualism:

1. The interaction between a black spruce tree and lichen. Lichen gets food from the dead matter of the tree and gives the tree nutrients.

2. The interaction between bees and flowers. Bees spread pollen, which helps flowers reproduce. In exchange, bees eat the nectar from flowers.

3. The interaction between sea anemones and anemonefish. The sea anemones have tentacles, which they use to sting the anemonefish's predators. In exchange, the anemonefish protect the sea amenones from fish that can eat them.

The video on the next page provides another example of mutualism. In the video, ants and fungus cooperate and benefit from their mutual interactions in the rainforests of Brazil.