Which statement defines mutualism?

• A. A relationship where both species benefit
• B. One benefits, the other is harmed
• C. Neutral interaction
• D. Both lose resources

Answer: (A)

Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship in which both species benefit from the interaction, often by providing resources or services that increase each other’s survival or reproduction. For example, bees get nectar from flowers while helping plants reproduce by transferring pollen; nitrogen-fixing bacteria in plant roots provide usable nitrogen to the plant, and in return receive a habitat and sugars. This is why the statement describing a relationship where both species benefit is the best answer. The other descriptions fit different interactions: one party benefiting while the other is harmed is parasitism; a neutral interaction means little or no effect on either; and both losing resources describes competition, where species struggle for the same limited resources.