Mutualism

Mutualism is a close relationship between organisms of different species where both organisms benefit. In other words, both organisms gain something from the relationship. Some examples of mutualism are shown below.  

Bees and flowering plants: Bees often visit flowering plants. The bees collect nectar and pollen from the flowers. In return, the flowers are pollinated by the bees. Both the bees and the flowering plants benefit from the relationship.

Oxpeckers and giraffe: In the photo below, birds called oxpeckers can be seen on a giraffe. The oxpeckers eat any parasites such as ticks that they find on the giraffe. The oxpeckers get food and the giraffe gets rid of these parasites. The oxpeckers benefit from the relationship and the giraffe does as well.

Ants and aphids: The tiny round insects in the photo below are called aphids. The ants in the picture are taking care of them. The aphids produce a sweet substance called honeydew which the ants eat. In return the ants protect the aphids. Both the ants and the aphids benefit from the relationship.

Goby and shrimp: The fish in the picture below is called a goby. It has very good eyesight. The shrimp next to it has poor eyesight. The shrimp digs a burrow that is big enough for both of them to live in. The goby looks out for predators. If there are predators nearby the goby warns the shrimp and they rush back to their burrow.

Remember that in mutualism, both organisms benefit from the relationship.