Mutualism... Examples



Picture from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutualism_(biology)

As expressed in the previous blog post, the second type of symbiotic relationship is mutualism. This is a relationships where both organisms are benefitting from each other.

In the picture above, we see a hummingbird drinking from a plant. This type of symbiotic relationship is mutualistic because the hummingbird is receiving nectar from the flower as food. On the other end, as the plant is giving away nectar, eventually the hummingbird will spread the pollen and nectar from the flower across the area and surrounding areas hoping to eventually add to the biodiversity of the ecosystem.


Picture from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutualism_(biology)

In the picture above, we see an anemone fish next to a sea anemone. This is another example of a mutualistic symbiotic relationships because the sea anemone provides this specific fish a place to live, and an escape from predators. Predators cannot stand the sting from the sea anemone therefore the anemone is save from predators. On the other end, the anemone fish, cleans the sea anemone, and keeps it clean. This is a service-service type of mutualistic symbiotic relationship because both species are providing a service to each other.

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