Mutualism Last Updated : 23 Feb, 2023 Comments Improve Suggest changes Like Article Like Report Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship in which both species involved are benefited from interaction. In mutualism, each species provides something of value to the other. This type of relationship is critical to the survival of one or both species and plays a role in shaping ecosystems and influencing evolution over time. Eg - Pollination, Lichens, Cleaner fish, Nitrogen-fixing bacteria, etc. These examples demonstrate that interrelationships are a common and important part of the natural world, highlighting the importance of symbiotic relationships in shaping ecosystems and influencing the evolution of species over time. Common Examples of Correlations are: Pollination: A classic example of mutuality is found in the relationship between flowering plants and pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Plants provide nectar and pollen as food sources for pollinators, while pollinators spread pollen from plant to plant, enabling plants to produce fruit and seeds.Mycorrhiza: Interrelationship between fungi and plant roots. Fungi provide nutrients and water to plants, and plants provide carbohydrates produced by photosynthesis to fungi. Nitrogen Fixation: Interrelationships between Certain Bacterial Species and Plants. Bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms that plants can use, and plants provide bacteria with carbohydrates produced by photosynthesis. Also Read: Nitrogen Fixation Example of Mutualism A detailed example of interrelationships can be seen in the relationship- Flowering Plants and Bees. Pollinators move pollen from the male part of one flower to the female part of another plant. Bees are one of the most important pollinators because they can efficiently collect and transfer pollen from flower to flower. Honey bees use flowering plants as food, collecting nectar and pollen to feed their larvae. Nectar provides the bees with energy, while pollen provides protein and other important nutrients. This interrelationship between flowering plants and bees is beneficial to both species. Due to this Flowering plants can reproduce by producing fruit and seeds, while bees can gather the food they need to survive and reproduce. The relationship between flowering plants and bees is not always perfect, please. For example, certain types of flowering plants may not produce enough nectar to support large bee populations, or the plant may not produce nectar at the same time that bees need it. . Nevertheless, the interrelationship between flowering plants and bees is one of the best-known and best-studied examples of interrelationships in nature. Types of Mutualism There are several types of mutualism, including: Obligate MutualismObligate mutualism refers to a kind of mutualistic relationship between two species in which the two species depend on each other for survival and cannot survive without the other. They evolve together in such a way that one species provides needed resources or services to the other or vice versa, creating a symbiotic relationship that benefits both partners. Examples of obligate mutualism include the gut microbes of many animals that help plants pollinate, digest, and absorb nutrients by insects and other animals. Facultative MutualismFacultative mutualism refers to a type of mutualistic relationship between two species in which the interaction is beneficial but not essential for the survival of either species. While both species can survive without the other, they may choose to interact and engage in mutualistic behavior to obtain additional benefits. Facultative mutualism is often more opportunistic and less specialized than obligate mutualism, and the interactions may vary depending on environmental conditions or other factors. Examples of facultative mutualism include some species of ants that protect and care for aphids in exchange for honeydew, or birds that follow grazing mammals to feed on insects disturbed by their movement. Defensive MutualismDefensive mutualism is a type of reciprocal relationship between two species in which one species provides protection or protection to the other in exchange for some benefit. In this type of interaction, one species may help the other species avoid predators or other threats by providing physical defenses, warning signals, or other defenses. Species that benefit from defense can provide other species with resources such as food or shelter. Examples of defensive mutualisms include scavenger fish that remove parasites and dead skin from larger fish, and acacia trees that provide food and shelter to ants in exchange for protection from herbivores. Dispersive Mutualism Dispersion mutualism, also known as transport mutualism, is a type of mutualistic relationship where one species provides transportation for another species in exchange for a reward such as food or shelter. This type of interaction involves the dispersal or transport of seeds, spores, or other reproductive structures, as well as the transfer of pollen for pollination. The example you provided with honeybees and plants is a good example of dispersive mutualism, where the plants provide nectar to the bees as a reward for their pollination services, and the bees transport the pollen from one flower to another, facilitating cross-pollination and increasing the reproductive success of the plants. Other examples of dispersive mutualism include birds that eat fruit and disperse seeds in their feces, and ants that transport and plant seeds in their nests. Comment More infoAdvertise with us Next Article Mutualism A ashutoshhyr9n Follow Improve Article Tags : School Learning Class 12 Biology Ecology Similar Reads CBSE Class 12 Biology Syllabus NCERT Class 12 Biology Syllabus: NCERT Class 12 Biology Syllabus covers important topics that provide students with a comprehensive understanding of living organisms, their structure, function, and behavior. These notes introduce fundamental concepts of biology including Sexual reproduction in Flowe 4 min read CBSE Class 12 Biology Notes CBSE Class 12 Chapter-wise Notes Biology helps students to score well in their board examinations. Class 12 Biology is a subject that comes with a wide range of topics, which include inheritance, evolution, reproduction, human health and disease, biotechnology, Ecosystem, and Biodiversity and Conser 4 min read Chapter 1: Sexual Reproduction In Flowering PlantsParts of a Flower and Their FunctionsA flower is the reproductive structure of angiosperm that facilitates sexual reproduction. The 4 main parts of the flower include - sepals, petals, stamens (male parts of the flower), and carpels (female part of the flower). The different parts of the flower have their unique function. The primary f 9 min read Pollen Grains​Pollen grains are minute structures of varying size and shape that contain the androecium, the male reproductive organ of a flower. Pollen grains are also called microgametophytes. The formation of pollen grains occurs through the process of microsporogenesis and consists of a protective outer laye 5 min read The Structure and Functions of PistilIn flowering plants, sexual reproduction is a complex process that involves the mating of male and female gametes to create seeds for the following generation. The pistil, which is located in the centre of the flower, is the female reproductive structure in flowering plants. What is Pistil?A pistil 4 min read PollinationPollination is the biological process by which pollen from the male part of the flower transfers to the female part of the same or on different flowers. Pollination results in fertilization and the production of seeds. Pollination is important for the reproduction of plants. Pollination can occur in 6 min read Double Fertilization: Process & SignificanceDouble fertilization is a unique reproductive process that occurs in flowering plants (angiosperms). Unlike in most other organisms where a single sperm fertilizes an egg, in double fertilization, one male gamete fertilizes the egg cell to form the embryo, while another male gamete fuses with two po 8 min read Post FertilizationPost-fertilization events are the processes that occur after the fusion of the male and female gametes during sexual reproduction. These post-fertilization events in flowering plants are crucial for the development of the zygote into a mature seed or fruit. Understanding post-fertilization events in 6 min read Apomixis and Polyembryony: Differences, Types, SignificanceApomixis and polyembryony are two different but related biological processes that result in the production of offspring without fertilization. Apomixis is a type of asexual reproduction where seeds are produced without gametic fusion. While polyembryony is a process in which multiple embryos are pro 5 min read Chapter 2: Human ReproductionNCERT Notes on Human Reproduction Class 12 Chapter 2NCERT Notes of Class 12 Chapter 2 Human Reproduction: Human reproduction is the biological process by which a new individual offspring is produced from one or two parent organisms. The Human Reproduction process involves the fusion of gametes, which are specialized cells that carry genetic informati 15+ min read Gametogenesis - Spermatogenesis and OogenesisGametogenesis is a process of producing male and female gametes, carried out by all sexually reproducing organisms. The process involves various multiple stages of division and differentiation and is highly regulated under hormonal control. GametogenesisGametogenesis produces male and female gametes 4 min read Menstrual CycleIn a day-to-day existence cycle, a lady's body is powerless against different changes. The pattern of these progressions happens in ladies consistently, emphatically for pregnancy is known as the feminine cycle. At the point when an ovum is unfertilized, the uterus lining sheds and prompts a dischar 9 min read Fertilizations And ImplantationFertilization and implantation are the 2 important events in human reproduction, which is the biological process of producing new individuals from a union of male and female gametes. This complex process involves the fusion of gametes, the development of a zygote, and the growth and differentiation 5 min read Embryo Development - Development Process of FetusBirth gives process to a child is known as reproduction. A species' survival depends on its ability to reproduce. There are two different ways to reproduce: Sexual reproduction is asexual reproduction. Asexual reproduction is a type of reproduction that occurs without the involvement of 2 parents. A 5 min read Parturition And Lactation - Biology Notes Class 12Parturition And Lactation: Several intricate physiological processes, such as fertilisation, implantation, gestation, and delivery, are involved in human reproduction. The act of giving birth, often referred to as parturition, is a significant occasion that signals the conclusion of pregnancy and th 4 min read Chapter 3: Reproductive HealthNotes on NCERT for Class 12 Biology Chapter 3 Reproductive HealthNotes on NCERT for Class 12 Biology Chapter 3 Reproductive Health: Reproductive health simply means people in a society living with physically and functionally normal reproductive organs and normal behavioral and emotional responses toward sex-related matters. According to WHO “reproductive health m 10 min read Population Stabilization And Birth Control - Class 12Population Stabilization And Birth Control: Reproductive Health means total well-being in all aspects of reproduction, i.e., physical, emotional, behavioral, and social. Counseling and raising awareness among people about reproductive organs, adolescence, and associated changes, safe and hygienic se 6 min read Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP)Medical termination of Pregnancy (MTP) is an intentional or voluntary termination of pregnancy before its full term. Before the 1960s, surgical methods like vacuum aspiration or dilatation and curettage were common, but medication has since emerged as an alternative option. Medical Termination of Pr 5 min read Chapter 4: Principles Of Inheritance And VariationPrinciples of Inheritance and Variation CBSE Notes for Chapter 4Inheritance is the term given to the process by which characters are passed from parents to offspring which forms the basis of heredity. Heredity is the process of passing down genetic traits from parents to offspring. The degree of difference in characters between a parent and offspring is called v 15 min read Mendel's Laws of Inheritance | Mendel's ExperimentsMendel's law of inheritance states that offspring inherited from their parents that results in similar characteristics of parents and offspring. This law of inheritance depends upon three other laws including the law of dominance, the law of segregation, law of independent assortment. Gregor Mendel 8 min read Inheritance of One Gene NotesWe never wonder why Lion can give birth to Lions only, or why a bird can reproduce in the same species and no other species. Not everything is possible, Isn't it? Also, No human being look exactly identical, even with twins there are differences in every individual. Some siblings look similar while 6 min read Chromosomal Theory of InheritanceThe essential idea behind the chromosomal theory of inheritance is that genes are located on chromosomes and that the behavior of chromosomes during meiosis and fertilization provides the basis for inheritance patterns. In the early 1900s, pioneering geneticists Walter Sutton and Theodor Boveri form 6 min read Linkage And Recombination - Principles Of Inheritance And Variation Class 12 NCERTCBSE Class 12- Principles Of Inheritance And Variation- Linkage And Recombination: Linkage and recombination are the phenomena that describe the inheritance of genes. Linkage and Recombination both are related to the genetic information inherited from parents to offspring. Linkage is the tendency of 6 min read What is Polygenic Inheritance?Polygenic inheritance is a type of inheritance in which multiple genes control the phenotype of an organism. The phenotypes or traits can be height, skin color, the color of the eyes, etc. This type of inheritance is also known as quantitative inheritance or multifactorial inheritance. Such traits a 7 min read MutationThe human body might be visualized as a simple organism. But it is the combination of different complex processes. From the outside, a human body might resemble a very simple one. A body that has two arms, two legs & one head for monitoring purposes. But from the inside of the body, there are ma 15+ min read Chromosomal Disorders: Principles of Inheritance And Variation Class12CBSE Class-12 Principles Of Inheritance And Variation - Chromosomal Disorders: The chromosomes are thread-like structures that are mainly present in the nucleus which carries the hereditary information of genes that are passed from the parents to the offspring. Due to some irregularities of cell div 5 min read Chapter 5: Molecular Basis Of InheritanceEvolution Notes for Class 12 Chapter 6Evolutionary biology is the study of the evolutionary processes that produced the diversity of life on Earth. Earth came into existence sometime between 4 and 5 billion years ago. Life evolved on planet Earth about 3.5 billion years ago. Since then, approximately 15 million different species of orga 11 min read Molecular Basis of Inheritance Notes Class 12CBSE Class 12 Molecular Basis of Inheritance: Inheritance is transmitted by certain molecules that Mendel termed as ‘factors’, but their nature was discovered later with the development of various scientific techniques. The molecules which govern the inheritance are called genes and it is of two typ 15+ min read DNA: Structure, Types, and FunctionsDNA structure is made of nucleotide base pairs (other than RNA). DNA is the hereditary material that is possessed by all the organisms found on the Earth except certain virus species. DNA functions involve the transfer of genetic information from generation to generation. The full form of DNA is Deo 11 min read Packaging of DNA Helix: Histones & ImportanceDNA packaging refers to the process through which DNA molecules are tightly compacted into a smaller volume so that they can fit into the nucleus of a cell. DNA packaging is important because the length of DNA molecules is much greater than the size of the cell nucleus, and therefore, if the DNA wer 5 min read Search For Genetic MaterialThe search for genetic material has been important in understanding inheritance and evolution. Scientists have explored various models and experiments to identify the substance responsible for transmitting hereditary traits. From Griffith's transformation experiments to Avery, MacLeod, and McCarty's 5 min read Difference Between DNA and RNAThe difference Between DNA and RNA lies in their structure, function, and location within cells, with DNA typically double-stranded, storing genetic information in the nucleus, while RNA is generally single-stranded, involved in protein synthesis, and present in various cellular compartments. DNA (D 6 min read RNA - Definition, Structure, Types and FunctionsRNA is a ribonucleic acid that helps in the synthesis of proteins in our body. This nucleic acid is responsible for the production of new cells in the human body. It is usually obtained from the DNA molecule. RNA resembles the same that of DNA, the only difference being that it has a single strand u 11 min read DNA ReplicationDNA replication is a fundamental biological process by which a cell duplicates its entire DNA. DNA is a self-replicating structure and the replication is catalyzed by enzymes. Through DNA Replication, genetic information is passed on from one generation of cells to the next during cell division. It 8 min read The Experimental Proof Of DNA ReplicationThe process by which cells duplicate their genetic material during cell division—the replication of DNA—was still largely a mystery. This sparked a race to understand how DNA replication happens among several well-known experts. The experimental evidence of DNA replication, which showed that DNA rep 5 min read Transcription of DNATranscription of DNA is a cellular process where the genetic information encoded in DNA is converted into RNA. It initiates with RNA polymerase binding to the DNA at a specific promoter region. Then, the enzyme unwinds the DNA and synthesizes a complementary RNA strand by following the DNA template. 6 min read Genetic Code - Molecular Basis of InheritanceCBSE Class12- Molecular Basis Of Inheritance- Genetic Code: The sequence of nucleotides in deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid which determines the amino acids sequence of proteins is known as Genetic code. DNA consists of information for protein sequences. RNA consists of four nucleotides: a 5 min read Genetic Code and MutationsGenetic code and mutations are important to understand and explain the central dogma of biology. The set of rules governing how DNA sequences are translated into proteins is the genetic code. The four nucleotide bases adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C), which are organized in pa 5 min read tRNA - the Adapter MoleculetRNA is also known as transfer RNA is a subtype of RNA, tRNA help in the protein synthesis process. tRNA carries the amino acid to the ribosome, which is the molecular machine that assembles the protein, and ensures that the amino acid is incorporated into the growing protein chain in the correct or 5 min read RNA TranslationThe Central Dogma, claims that once "information" has transferred into protein, it cannot be retrieved. In greater detail, information transmission from nucleic acid to the nucleic acid or nucleic acid to protein may be conceivable, but transfer from protein to protein or protein to nucleic acid is 15+ min read Lac OperonLac operon consists of the genes that are required for the metabolism of lactose in a bacterium E. coli and some other enteric bacteria. The name Lac operon actually stands for lactose operon. Lac operon works only when the nutrient source lacks glucose and has only lactose as it takes more steps to 7 min read Human Genome ProjectHuman Genome Project was the world’s largest collaborative biological project that gave us the ability to examine the full genetic manual for creating a human being in nature. HGP was international scientific research that mainly aims to determine the base pairs that make human DNA, as well as the i 9 min read What is DNA Fingerprinting?DNA Fingerprinting is a technique used to identify individuals by analyzing their unique DNA patterns. Studying the DNA Fingerprinting steps and process helps in understanding genetic relationships, solving crimes, and identifying individuals based on their unique DNA profiles. In this article, we w 10 min read Chapter 6: EvolutionOrigin of LifeThe origin of life on earth is one of the mysteries to mankind. According to a common man, life is gifted by god whereas scientists believe that life has originated from non-living matter by natural means. This mystery of whether life originated from non-living matter was solved by scientists Pirie. 4 min read Evolution Of Life Forms – A TheoryEvolution is a process of gradual changes in the heritable characteristics of a biological population, over successive generations, over a long period. (Population: - It is a group of individuals of the same species who live in the same area and can interbreed) Theories of EvolutionTill now, several 5 min read Understanding Adaptive Radiation: Evolutionary Diversification ExplainedAdaptive radiation is a phenomenon observed in evolutionary biology, that involves the rapid diversification of species into various forms to exploit new ecological niches. 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Believed to have originated in Africa around 315,000 years ago, human evolution is a complex process involving the development of traits such as bipedalism and languag 6 min read Chapter 7: Human Health and DiseaseNCERT Notes on Class 12 Biology Chapter 7 - Human Health and DiseaseNCERT Chapter 7 of Class 12 Notes on Human Health and Disease: According to the World Health Organisation, health can be defined as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity. Good health has many benefits like it helps to keep us 15+ min read Common Diseases In HumansDisease: - A disease is a physiological condition in which the human body fights against the external or internal causes of infection. On the basis of externally caused diseases, various examples are present, ranging from bacteria, viruses, protozoans, helminths, and many more. Pathogen: - The patho 5 min read Immunity - Definition, Types and VaccinationImmunity is a defense mechanism of the body that is provided by the immune system and helps in fighting disease-causing organisms. There are two immunity types: innate and acquired immunity. Immunity-enhancing foods help boost the body's immune system Vaccination also enhances immunity by exposing t 11 min read Innate And Acquired ImmunityThe immune system fights against germs and foreign substances on the skin, in the body's tissues, and in bodily fluids such as blood. The overall ability of the host to fight the disease-causing organisms conferred by the immune system is called Immunity. The immune system can be broadly categorized 5 min read Importance of Vaccines, Vaccination and ImmunizationVaccination and immunization play a crucial role in protecting individuals and communities from infectious diseases. They help to stimulate the immune system and prepare it to recognize and fight off specific pathogens. Vaccination classes 6 and 12 are important topics frequently asked in examinatio 7 min read Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention ControlAs opposed to the normal thoughts pervasive in general society, substance use is very far-reaching. So is substance misuse. It's anything but a little issue, confined to the domain of the feeble and detestable. The utilization of medications rises above race, orientation, age, or financial status. T 10 min read Chapter 8: Microbes In Human WelfareMicrobes in Human Welfare NotesCBSE Class 12 Chapter 8 Microbes in Huaman Welfare: Microbes are the smallest living organisms that can only be seen under the microscope. Microbes are found everywhere. Examples- are air, water, soil, inside and outside the bodies of plants and animals, thermal vents (1000 degree Celsius), under th 6 min read Microbes In Human WelfareMicrobes are microscopic organisms, that can be classified under protozoa, bacteria, fungi, and microscopic plants viruses, viroid, and prions (proteinaceous infectious agents). They are present everywhere– in soil, water, and air, inside our bodies, animals, and plants. Not only in life forms, but 6 min read BiofertilizersBiofertilizers are biologically active substances that help in enriching the soil's fertility. Biofertilizers are microbes or microbial products. It helps to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers. Reducing the use of chemical fertilizers from the environment biofertilizers helps to protect the ecos 8 min read Like