mutualism

[ myoo-choo-uh-liz-uhm ]

noun

1. a relationship between two species of organisms in which both benefit from the association.
2. 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.
3. Sociology. the force or principle of mutual aid.

mutualism

/ ˈmjuːtʃʊəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. another name for symbiosis

mutualism

/ myo̅o̅′cho̅o̅-ə-lĭz′əm /

1. A relationship between two organisms in which each of the organisms benefits.
2. ◆ 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.
3. ◆ 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.
4. Compare amensalism

Derived Forms

• ˈmutualist, nounadjective
• ˌmutualˈistic, adjective

Other Words From

• mutu·al·ist noun
• mutu·al·istic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mutualism¹

First recorded in 1860–65; mutual + -ism

Example Sentences

Parasitism, commensalism, mutualism, exist with animals among the different species.

From Project Gutenberg

Mutualism is symbiosis in which both members benefit by the association.

From Project Gutenberg

Proudhon worked out his idea of Anarchism and Mutualism, without State interference.

From Project Gutenberg

The chief breakdown is in dealing with the new relations that arise from the mutualism, the interdependence of our time.

From Project Gutenberg

One has given to this mode of activity the name of mutualism.

From Project Gutenberg