Question

Explain mutualism with the help of any two examples. How is it different from commensalism?

Answer 1

Mutualism is the interaction where both the organisms are benefited. For example, lichens represent an intimate mutualistic relationship between a fungus and photosynthesizing algae.

2. Mycorrhizae is the relationship between fungi and roots of higher plants. Fungi help the plant in the absorption of essential nutrients from the soil while the plant in turn provides the fungi with energy-yielding carbohydrates.

The interaction where one species is benefited and the other is neither benefited nor harmed is called commensalism.