mutualism
[myoo-choo-uh-liz-uh m]
- a relationship between two species of organisms in which both benefit from the association.
- the doctrine that the interdependence of social elements is the primary determinant of individual and social relations, especially the theory that common ownership of property, or collective effort and control governed by sentiments of brotherhood and mutual aid, will be beneficial to both the individual and society.
- Sociology. the force or principle of mutual aid.
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Origin of mutualism
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for mutualist
Historical Examples
Notably, the gilt catfish, which would undoubtedly die if deprived of its mutualist, the Gyropeltes.
The Dawn of ReasonJames Weir
mutualism
- another name for symbiosis
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for mutualist
mutualism
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
mutualist
(myōō′chōō-ə-lĭst)- symbion
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mutualism
(myōō′chōō-ə-lĭz′əm)- A symbiotic relationship in which both species benefit.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
mutualism
[myōō′chōō-ə-lĭz′əm]
- A relationship between two organisms in which each of the organisms benefits.♦ In obligate mutualism the interacting species are interdependent and cannot survive without each other. The fungi and algae that combine to form lichen are obligate mutualists.♦ In the more common facultative mutualism the interacting species derive benefit without being fully dependent. Many plants produce fruits that are eaten by birds, and the birds later excrete the seeds of these fruits far from the parent plant. While both species benefit, the birds have other food available to them, and the plants can disperse their seeds when the uneaten fruit drops. Compare amensalism commensalism parasitism.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.