▪ Mutualism is referred to as the interspecific interaction in which both the interacting species are benefited.
▪ Some examples of mutualism
a. Lichens represent close association between fungus and photosynthetic algae or cyanobacteria, where the fungus helps in the absorption of nutrients and provides protection while algae or cyanobacterium prepares the food.
b. Mycorrhizae are close mutual association between fungi and the roots of higher plants, where fungi helps the plant for absorption of nutrients while the plant provides food for the fungus.
In commensalism, one species benefits and the other is neither benefitted nor harmed whereas in mutualism both the species are benefitted.
