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Mutualism describes the ecological interaction between two or more species where each species has a net benefit. [1] Mutualism is a common type of ecological interaction. Prominent examples are:
Mutualisms can be broadly divided into two categories. Firstly, obligate mutualism, where two mutualistic partners are completely interdependent for survival and reproduction. Secondly, facultative mutualism, where two mutualistic partners both benefit from the mutualism, but can theoretically survive in each other's absence.
Not all examples of mutualism are also examples of cooperation. Specifically, in by-product mutualism, both participants benefit, but cooperation is not involved. For example, when an elephant defecates, this is beneficial to the elephant as a way to empty waste, and it is also beneficial to a dung beetle that uses the elephant's dung.
Mutualism or interspecies reciprocal altruism is a long-term relationship between individuals of different species where both individuals benefit. [39] Mutualistic relationships may be either obligate for both species, obligate for one but facultative for the other, or facultative for both.
In facultative mutualism, the survival of the parties (plant and ants, in this instance) does not depend upon the interaction. Facultative mutualisms most often occur in plants that have extrafloral nectaries but no other specialized structures for the ants. [3]
The formation of the facultative mutualism requires that the species involved all benefit from their mutual cooperation. This mutualism, though it is to the benefit of said species, is best understood as co-exploitation. Facultative mutualism occurs when species' interests align, so that each may reciprocally exploit the other to the benefit of ...
Mutualism is an interaction between species that is beneficial to both. A familiar example of a mutualism is the relationship between flowering plants and their pollinators. [2] [3] The plant benefits from the spread of pollen between flowers, while the pollinator receives some form of nourishment, either from nectar or the pollen itself.
Myrmecochory is traditionally thought to be a diffuse or facultative mutualism with low specificity between myrmecochores and individual ant species. [9] [16] This assertion has been challenged in a study of Iberian myrmecochores, demonstrating the disproportionate importance of specific ant species in dispersing seeds. [17]