In a mutualistic relationship, what occurs between the organisms involved?

In a mutualistic relationship, both organisms benefit from their interaction. This type of relationship is characterized by a symbiotic partnership where each participant gains advantages that can enhance their growth, reproduction, or survival. For instance, in the relationship between bees and flowering plants, bees receive nectar for food, while the plants benefit from pollination as the bees transfer pollen from one flower to another, facilitating reproduction. This mutualism is essential for ecosystem balance and supports biodiversity. The benefits can manifest in various forms, such as food, protection, or other resources, highlighting the interdependence of species in an ecosystem.