Mutualism is the process of two species living together interacting, in which they both benefit
This is an advantage for both species as they are both able to save energy/get food/live somewhere or do something that would be impossible for the animal on its own
One of the best examples is gut flora. Most animals have a huge variety of microbes living inside them, which help them to function by secreting enzymes that the host lacks. For example cows are unable to digest cellulose, one of the largest parts of their diet (as it makes up most of grass). This means that the digestion in their many stomachs are critical to get enough energy. Even humans do not feel as well when they have their flora removed. Because this is such a successful relationship there are more bacterial cells living on or in you than there are human cells in your body.
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A small fish lives under the fin of a shark and cleans it. This feeds the fish and makes the shark more aquadynamic. This is: |
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A bacteria living in the gut of a cow eats celulose, releasing a small amount of nutrients in the process. This is: |
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One bacteria feeds on the waste products of another. This is |