Mutualism: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ค
mutualism
[ หmjuหtสสษหlษชz(ษ)m ]
ecology
Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship between two organisms of different species in which both benefit from the association. It is a form of cooperation that is mutually beneficial for both parties involved.
Synonyms
cooperation, mutual benefit, symbiosis.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
mutualism |
This word is often used in biology to describe a relationship between two species where both benefit.
|
symbiosis |
This term is also used in biology, describing a close, long-term interaction between two different species that is often beneficial for both.
|
mutual benefit |
This phrase is often used to describe situations where all parties involved gain some advantage.
|
cooperation |
This word is broader and can be used in many contexts to describe people or groups working together to achieve a common goal.
|
Examples of usage
- In a mutualistic relationship between bees and flowers, the bees receive nectar while the flowers are pollinated.
- Acacia trees and ants have a mutualistic relationship where the ants protect the tree from herbivores in exchange for shelter and food.
- Mutualism plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems by promoting interdependence among species.
Translations
Translations of the word "mutualism" in other languages:
๐ต๐น mutualismo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคชเคพเคฐเคธเฅเคชเคฐเคฟเคเคตเคพเคฆ
๐ฉ๐ช Mutualismus
๐ฎ๐ฉ mutualisme
๐บ๐ฆ ะผัััะฐะปัะทะผ
๐ต๐ฑ mutualizm
๐ฏ๐ต ็ธๅฉๅ ฑ็
๐ซ๐ท mutualisme
๐ช๐ธ mutualismo
๐น๐ท mutualizm
๐ฐ๐ท ์ํธ์ฃผ์
๐ธ๐ฆ ุชุจุงุฏููุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ mutualismus
๐ธ๐ฐ mutualizmus
๐จ๐ณ ไบๅฉๅ ฑ็
๐ธ๐ฎ mutualizem
๐ฎ๐ธ gagnkvรฆmni
๐ฐ๐ฟ ำฉะทะฐัะฐ ำัะตะบะตััะตัััะบ
๐ฌ๐ช แแฃแขแฃแแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ mutualizm
๐ฒ๐ฝ mutualismo
Etymology
The term 'mutualism' originated in the mid-19th century from the Latin word 'mutuum', meaning 'mutual'. It was first used in the context of ecological relationships to describe the mutually beneficial interactions between different species. Mutualism has since become a key concept in ecology and evolutionary biology, highlighting the importance of cooperation and interdependence in natural systems.
See also: mutualistic, mutually.