Mutualism

Mutualism is an association between two different species of organisms that is beneficial to both of them and without which they could not survive.

Mutualism is based on mutually beneficial cooperation between organisms of different species. A classic example of mutualism is the relationship between plants and the insects that pollinate them. Plants receive pollen transfer for fertilization, and insects receive nectar as a source of nutrition. Without this interaction, neither plants nor insects could survive.

Another common example of mutualism is the symbiosis between fungi and plant roots, forming mycorrhizae. Fungi provide nutrients to plants from the soil, and plants provide carbohydrates to fungi from photosynthesis.

Thus, mutualism is a type of interspecific relationship based on mutual benefit and necessary for the survival of associated organisms. Without cooperation through mutualism, many ecosystems would not be able to function properly.

Mutualism is a term used to describe the relationship between two organisms that are mutually dependent on each other and benefit from that relationship. In biology, mutualism is a relationship in which one organism benefits from another, and the other benefits from the first. For example, the relationship between a parasite and a host, between a plant and an animal pollinator, between bacteria and other microorganisms.

Mutualistic relationships can exist both between different species of organisms and between representatives of the same species. They can occur both at the level of individual organisms and at the level of entire populations. Mutualistic relationships can be either permanent or temporary.

The benefits of mutualism for both partners are obvious. For example, an insect-pollinated plant benefits from the insects carrying pollen to other plants and the insects receiving food and shelter from the plants. A parasite, for example, receives nutrients from its host, and the host receives protection from other parasites.

However, mutualistic bonds can be disrupted if one partner becomes a parasite or if both partners become parasites. In this case, the mutualistic interaction can turn into an antagonistic relationship.

Meaning and history of the term The word "mutualism" means a system of interaction between organisms based on mutual benefits. This concept gets its name from the Latin root mutuus, which means mutual exchange. The term "mutualist" refers to any living creature that benefits from another species without causing harm or negative consequences to it. In the context of the science of relationships between species, the term "mutualization" describes a type of relationship in which two different organisms exchange benefits without any conflict of interest. From a biological point of view, mutualization is the main form of social relationships between all living beings on Earth. But there is an even more fundamental plane of this concept, which relates to metaphysical states of consciousness. It reveals the deeper meaning of working with thoughts and emotions that occur within a person.

**Types of mutualism**. There are different types of mutualization, each of which involves certain forms of exchange between different species. The most common forms of mutation include the following: - **Symbiosis**. It is a form of mutualization where two different organisms live together in a close relationship, such as the existence of one species within another organism in a parasitic relationship. Some examples of symbiosis include helminths that live inside animals, symbiotic bacteria that produce vitamins and are used by plants, and bacteria that help plants grow and reproduce. - **Commensalism**. It is a phenomenon in which one creature receives some benefit from the use of another, but does not have any negative effect on that other organism. For example, sparrows eat grains that fall to the ground, they use nearby bushes and trees as shelter, etc. Their presence does not cause any harm to these species. - **Amensalism.** This phenomenon occurs when one organism reduces the population of another organism, including through the direct destruction or blocking of resources and habitats. This type of mutation occurs when species destroy other species while foraging or hunting them, or when organisms use their neighbors as breeding grounds or shelter from predators. The phenomenon of amensalism can also manifest itself in relationships between humans and animals. When people hunt animals for centuries, the animals they kill endanger the environment and themselves. The habitat may be left with signs of theft or predation, and species numbers and biodiversity may decline as a result. - ***Parasitism***. This is the type of interaction that is formed when one being lives completely at the expense of another, using it as a source of food and life. We can consider an example where a dog eats certain food directly from the stomach of a cow. Parasites living around people absorb the energy and body tissues of their hosts, while partially or completely controlling their lives. Moreover, none of the parasites is able to exist independently or reproduce while living on one organism. Parasitism can be so serious that some species pose a threat to the health and life of the host. It becomes very relevant today due to biological infections