What is Mutualism

Mutualism is the way two organisms biologically interact where each individual derives a fitness benefit (i.e. increased reproductive output). Similar interactions within a species are known as co-operation. It can be contrasted with interspecific competition, in which each species experiences reduced fitness, and exploitation, or parasitism, in which one species benefits at the expense of the other. Mutualism and symbiosis are sometimes used as if they are synonymous, but this is strictly incorrect: symbiosis is a broad category, defined to include relationships which are mutualistic, parasitic or commensal. Mutualism is only one type.

A well known example of mutualism is the relationship between ungulates (such as cows) and bacteria within their intestines. The ungulates benefit from the cellulase produced by the bacteria, which facilitates digestion; the bacteria benefit from having a stable supply of nutrients in the host environment.

Mutualism plays a key part in ecology. For example, mutualistic interactions are vital for terrestrial ecosystem function as more than 48% of land plants rely on mycorrhizal relationships with fungi to provide them with inorganic compounds and trace elements.

In addition, mutualism is thought to have driven the evolution of much of the biological diversity we see, such as flower forms (important for pollination mutualisms) and co-evolution between groups of species.[1] However mutualism has historically received less attention than other interactions such as predation and parasitism.[2][3]

Measuring the exact fitness benefit to the individuals is not always straightforward, particularly when the individuals can receive benefits from a range of species, for example most plant-pollinator mutualisms. It is therefore common to categorise mutualisms according to the closeness of the association, using terms such as obligate versus facultative. Defining "closeness," however, is also problematic. It can refer to mutual dependency (the species cannot live without one another) or the biological intimacy of the relationship in relation to physical closeness (e.g. one species living within the tissues of the other species)

Examples of Mutualism

Clownfish and sea anemones: Clownfish are small, brightly-colored fish found in coral reefs. They are frequently found in the tentacles of sea anemones, which typically capture their prey by paralyzing them with discharged cnidoblasts (nematocysts) , and then ingesting the animal within the gastrovascular cavity. Studies have shown that a component of clownfish mucus inhibits the discharge of these cnidoblasts.

Clownfish and sea anemones present an example of facultative mutualism. The clownfish benefits by having a protected home territory. What does the sea anemone gain from this arrangement?




Termites and intestinal flagellates: Although termites can physically chew and ingest wood, they are incapable of chemically digesting cellulose into sugars. They rely on intestinal flagellates, e.g. Pyrrsonympha spp. and Trichonympha spp. which are capable of producing cellulose. These genera of flagellates reside in the hindgut of termites and provide nutrition for them. They are not found anywhere else in nature.

When a termite molts, it loses its hindgut and therefore loses its population of flagellates. It reinfects itself by ingesting its (or some other termite’s) hindgut that has been eliminated. (A pleasant thought, yes?



A specimen of Pyrrsonympha is shown here.

thank you hanaa

thanks Drs. Mithaq and Kareem