Which type of symbiotic relationship involves both species benefiting?

Which type of symbiotic relationship involves both species benefiting?

• A. Commensalism
• B. Parasitism
• C. Symbiotic
• D. Mutualism

Answer: (D)

Both species benefit in a mutualistic relationship. For example, bees collect nectar for food from flowers, and in doing so they help pollinate the flowers, aiding the plant's reproduction. Because both organisms gain a benefit, this best fits the idea of a relationship where both sides improve. In commensalism, one benefits while the other is unaffected. In parasitism, one benefits at the expense of the other. The broad term symbiotic includes various close living-together relationships, not specifically both benefiting. So the relationship where both benefit is mutualism.

Both species benefit in a mutualistic relationship. For example, bees collect nectar for food from flowers, and in doing so they help pollinate the flowers, aiding the plant's reproduction. Because both organisms gain a benefit, this best fits the idea of a relationship where both sides improve. In commensalism, one benefits while the other is unaffected. In parasitism, one benefits at the expense of the other. The broad term symbiotic includes various close living-together relationships, not specifically both benefiting. So the relationship where both benefit is mutualism.