What do we call a symbiotic relationship where both species benefit?

In a symbiotic relationship where both species benefit, this type is known as mutualism. This interaction is characterized by each species providing something that the other needs. For instance, in a classic example of mutualism, bees pollinate flowers while simultaneously obtaining nectar for food. This relationship enhances the survival and reproduction of both the bees and the plant species involved.

Understanding mutualism is vital in ecology because it demonstrates how different species can interact closely and support each other's growth and success. This contrasts with other types of relationships, such as commensalism, where one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed, or parasitism, where one organism benefits at the expense of the other. Competition, on the other hand, involves two species vying for the same resource, ultimately leading to a negative effect on one or both parties involved. Thus, mutualism is unique in its dual benefit aspect, making it an essential concept in the study of biological interactions.