When Organisms of Different Species Interact to Their Benefit This

Question

When organisms of different species interact to their benefit this is referred to as what?
A) Parasitism
B) Coevolution
C) A mutualism
D) Symbiosis

Accepted Answer

A mutualism is a type of interaction between organisms of different species where both parties benefit from the relationship. Examples include the relationship between flowering plants and their pollinators or the partnership between bacteria in our gut that help break down food and provide vitamins in exchange for a place to live. Both organisms benefit from the interaction, making it a mutualism. Parasitism is a type of relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of the other, while coevolution refers to the evolution of two or more species in response to each other's changes over time. Symbiosis is a broader term that includes all types of close, long-term interactions between organisms, regardless of whether they benefit or harm each other.