Define mutualism and give one example of a mutualistic pair of organisms.

Question

Accepted Answer

Mutualism is an interspecific interaction in which both species involved derive a benefit — represented as (+, +). The lichen is a classic example: the fungal partner provides structure, anchorage, and absorbs water/minerals, while the algal (or cyanobacterial) partner photosynthesises and shares the sugars it produces, so neither partner easily survives the same way alone.

✓Final answer

Mutualism = an interaction where both species benefit, e.g., the lichen (fungus + alga), where the fungus provides shelter/minerals and the alga provides photosynthesised food.

> [!ANSWER]
> Mutualism = an interaction where both species benefit, e.g., the lichen (fungus + alga), where the fungus provides shelter/minerals and the alga provides photosynthesised food.

Q.Define mutualism and give one example of a mutualistic pair of organisms.

Concept understanding — Mutualism

Q.Define mutualism and give one example of a mutualistic pair of organisms.

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