Mutualism

Mutualism is a form of symbiotic relationship. It is a relationship between different species where both species benefit from the relationship.

A good example of a mutualism is the relationship between aphids and ants. The aphids secrete a sugary solution called honeydew. Ants drink the honeydew and, in return, they protect the aphids from predators.

A photograph of an ant collecting honeydew from aphids.
Photograph by böhringer friedrich licensed under Creative Commons.

Related terms

• Aphid
• Commensalism
• Domatia
• Honeydew
• Parasitism
• Symbiosis

Related groups of terms

• General biology

See other words beginning with M