[myoo-choo-uh-liz-uh
m] 
| 1. | a relationship between two species of organisms in which both benefit from the association. |
| 2. | the doctrine that the interdependence of social elements is the primary determinant of individual and social relations, esp. the theory that common ownership of property, or collective effort and control governed by sentiments of brotherhood and mutual aid, will be beneficial to both the individual and society. |
| 3. | Sociology. the force or principle of mutual aid. |
mutualism mu·tu·al·ism (my&oomacr;'ch&oomacr;-ə-lĭz'əm)
n.
A symbiotic relationship in which both species benefit.
mutualist mu·tu·al·ist (my&oomacr;'ch&oomacr;-ə-lĭst)
n.
See symbion.
mutualism (my 'ch-ə-lĭz'əm) Pronunciation Key
A symbiotic relationship in which each of the organisms benefits. ◇ In obligate mutualism the interacting species are interdependent and cannot survive without each other. The fungi and algae that combine to form lichen are obligate mutualists. ◇ In the more common facultative mutualism the interacting species derive benefit without being fully dependent. Many plants produce fruits that are eaten by birds, and the birds later excrete the seeds of these fruits far from the parent plant. While both species benefit, the birds have other food available to them, and the plants can disperse their seeds when the uneaten fruit drops. Compare amensalism, commensalism, parasitism. |