Symbiosis:
* Broader term: Symbiosis describes any close and long-term interaction between two different species.
* Various outcomes: This interaction can be beneficial, harmful, or neutral for the species involved.
* Examples:
* Mutualism: Both species benefit (e.g., bees and flowers)
* Commensalism: One species benefits, the other is unaffected (e.g., barnacles on whales)
* Parasitism: One species benefits, the other is harmed (e.g., tapeworms in humans)
Mutualism:
* Specific type of symbiosis: Mutualism is a *type* of symbiotic relationship where both interacting species benefit from the association.
* Reciprocal advantage: Each species provides something that benefits the other.
* Examples:
* Bees and flowers: Bees get nectar, and flowers are pollinated.
* Cleaner fish and larger fish: Cleaner fish eat parasites off larger fish, getting a meal while keeping the larger fish healthy.
* Oxpeckers and zebras: Oxpeckers eat ticks and other parasites off zebras, getting a meal and providing pest control.
Key takeaway: Think of symbiosis as the umbrella term, and mutualism as a specific type of symbiosis where both species benefit.