Which of the following best describes mutualism?

Mutualism is best described as a symbiotic relationship where both species benefit from the interaction. This type of relationship can occur in various forms, such as between plants and pollinators, where plants provide nectar for pollinators, and in return, the pollinators aid in the plants' reproduction by transferring pollen. Similar interactions can be observed in cleaner fish and larger fish, where the cleaner fish eat parasites off the larger fish, benefiting from food while the larger fish benefits from being cleaned.

This definition highlights the cooperative aspect of mutualism, distinguishing it from other relationships in ecology. For example, the relationship characterized by one species benefiting at the expense of another would represent parasitism or predation, while a competitive interaction involves both species negatively impacting each other. In contrast, mutualism stands out because it demonstrates the potential for diverse species to support one another, creating a more balanced and interdependent ecosystem.