Question

what is mutualism? explain the types of mutualism​

Answer 1

Explanation:

Definition:

The term mutualism can be simply defined as a relationship in which both species are mutually benefited. This relationship can either be within the species or between the two different species.

Types:

There are five types of Mutualism.

Obligate Mutualism

In obligate mutualism the relationship between two species, in which both are completely dependent on each other. Most of the symbioses and some non-symbiotic are the best examples of obligate mutualism

For example Yucca plant and the moth.

The yucca plant, the habitat of the dry and arid climate of the southwestern United States. The flower of the yucca plant relies on the moth for the pollination process. In turn, the moth is benefited by laying its eggs on the flower and feeding the larvae with the seeds.

Facultative Mutualism

In facul­tative mutualism, the partners may coexist without a depending on each other. They, how­ever, form a diffuse relationship involving a varying mixture of species.

For example Honeybees and plants.

Honey bees visit many different plants species for the nectar from the flower and these plants will be visited by the number of the insect as pollinators for pollination.

Trophic Mutualism

In trophic mutualism, the partners are specialized in complemen­tary ways to obtain energy and nutrients from each other.

For example The cows and the bacteria.

Cows cannot digest the plant’s cellulose. The bacteria present in the rumens of cows helps in digesting plants cellulose. In reverse bacteria gets food and warm environment, which is required for their growth and development.

Defensive Mutualism

In defensive mutualism, one partner receives food and shelter and in return, it helps the partner by defending against the herbivores or predators or parasites.

For example The aphids and the ants.

 The aphids produce honeydew to the ants, which is carried to their nests at night for protecting them from the predators and escort. These aphids are carried back to the plant the next morning. In return, ants are benefited by assembling the aphid’s eggs and storing in their nest chambers to survive the cold winter months.

Dispersive Mutualism

In dispersive mutualism, one partner receives food in return for helping flower in transferring their pollen.

For example Honeybees and the Plants.

Honey bees travel from one flower to another in search of nectar from the flower which is required to prepare honey, in return plants are benefited by the pollination as the honey bee spread the pollen from one plant to another

Answer 2

Mutualism is a type of relationship between the host and a symbiont, where both organisms benefit and no one is harmed. This relationship may either continue for longer or for shorter-term. The term mutualist is used to indicate the small partner and the host are the other partners present in the Mutualism.