Animation 40.1 Mutualism

INTRODUCTION

A mutualism is a type of interaction between species that benefits both. There are few, if any, taxonomic limits on the formation of mutualisms; animals, for example, can form mutualistic associations with other animals, with plants, and with a wide range of microorganisms. Mutualistic interactions often arise in environments where resources are in short supply. Consequently, many mutualisms involve an exchange of food for housing or defense. In another type of mutualism, many sessile organisms, particularly flowering plants, rely on more mobile species for mating or dispersal. In the animation, mutualistic partners exchange food and housing for defense.