15 Examples of Mutualism

The mutualism is a form of interaction between organisms of different species. It is characterized because, thanks to this relationship, both organisms involved benefit, increasing their biological aptitude (capacity for survival and reproduction as a species). For example: anemone and clown fish, acacia and ant, toad and spider.

It is important to distinguish mutualism from the other forms of interaction between organisms:

Unlike the other forms of interaction, mutualism is an essential factor for the survival and development of both species involved.

Some authors use symbiosis as a synonym for mutualism while others consider mutualism as a symbiosis only in cases where the relationship is indispensable for survival.

The types of mutualism can be:

It can serve you:

Examples of mutualism

1. Mycorrhiza and plants

Are the symbiotic relationship between a fungus and the roots of land plants. The fungus receives carbohydrates Y vitamins that you cannot synthesize yourself.

The plant receives mineral nutrients and water. Mycorrhiza is so important to the survival of

plants It is estimated that they are present in between 90 and 95% of terrestrial species. This is one resource-resource relationship, since both plants and fungi receive nutrients.

1. Pollination

It is the specific relationship between an animal and an angiosperm plant. Angiosperm plants are those that have flowers with stamens (male reproductive organs) and carpels (female reproductive organs). The flowers that have stamens are those that have pollen, which must reach the carpels of other flowers to achieve the reproduction of the plant.

Certain animals function as pollinators, that is, as transporters of pollen from one flower to the other. Pollinators can be bees, wasps, ants, flies, butterflies, beetles and birds. Some mammals can be pollinators, like bats, some marsupials, rodents and monkeys. This is a service - resource relationship, since animals offer the service of pollination while plants offer the resource of nectar or pollen.

1. Ruminants and microorganisms

In the intestines of ruminants (animals that digest in two stages) there are communities of microorganisms that allow them to digest the cellulose of their food. The microorganisms in turn benefit from the food obtained.

1. Anemone and clown fish

The sea ​​anemone flower-like, radially symmetrical. Produces a toxic sustance called actinoporins, which has a paralyzing effect. Clownfish (amphiprioninae) have red, pink, black, yellow, orange, or white stripes.

Different species of clownfish they are associated with different species of anemones. These fish are immune to actinoporins, which allow them to move between the anemone's tentacles, where they find shelter, food, and protection from larger fish. The anemone benefits because the fish eliminates parasites and other organisms that harm it. This is one service - service relationship.

1. Acacia and ant

The cornígera acacia or bull's horn is a shrub that can reach up to 10 meters in height. Its name is due to the fact that it has large hollowed out spines that look like bull horns. The ants live in the logs, feeding on the sugars that the plant produces.

The plant benefits from protection from ants from herbivorous animals that can eat their shoots, limiting their growth and survival. In addition, the ants eat other plants that are around the acacia, eliminating possible competition relationships for resources such as water, sun and nutrients.

1. Ants and aphids

The aphids (aphididae) are insects that have no relationship or kinship with fleas. Aphids are parasites of angiosperm plants. In them they make small holes in the leaves, from where they suck the sap.

Ants approach aphids and rub with antennae. The aphid then secretes honeydew, a substance that serves the ants as food. Aphids benefit from the presence of ants, which protect them against other species.

1. Fish and prawns

Prawns eliminate parasites found on the skin of some fish. Both species obtain the same benefits as in the relationships between hippos and birds and buffaloes and herons.

1. Lichens and algae

They are fungi that have a thin layer of algae cells on their surface. 25% of fungal species use this association. The advantage that the fungus obtains is the carbon fixed by the algae thanks to the photosynthesis they carry out. Algae benefit because they can adapt to habitats extremes.

1. The toad and the spider

The tarantula It is a large species of spider. It allows the narrow-mouthed toad stay in its burrow as it protects it from parasites and takes care of its eggs. The toad benefits from the protection of the tarantula.

1. Herons and buffalo

The Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) is a pelecaniform bird. In Africa, these birds follow zebras, antelopes, wildebeest, and kaffir buffalo. The best known form of mutualism is the one they establish with buffaloes, from whom they remove the parasites, on which they feed. This is one service - resource relationship.

1. Fish and blind prawn

Luther's goby is a fish with excellent eyesight that lacks arms. The blind prawn digs for it on the surface of the seabed a cave or tunnel that allows both to protect themselves. The prawn benefits because accompany the fish when he goes out to look for food, with his antennae on the body of the fish, who shows him the way and alerts him about predators.

1. Hippos and birds

Similar to buffalo, some birds feed on parasites found on hippos' skin. The hippopotamus benefits from elimination of organisms that harm it while the bird not only feeds but also receives the protection of the hippopotamus.

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