Which term best describes a symbiotic relationship where both species benefit?

Mutualism is the term that best describes a symbiotic relationship where both species benefit. In this type of interaction, each organism involved gains advantages that enhance their survival, growth, or reproductive success. For example, a classic case of mutualism can be observed in the relationship between bees and flowering plants. Bees obtain nectar and pollen for nourishment, while flowers benefit from pollination, enabling them to reproduce more effectively.

In contrast, parasitism involves one organism benefiting at the expense of another, thus harming the host. Commensalism describes a relationship in which one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed. Antagonism, like predation, suggests a negative impact on one organism while benefiting another. These distinctions clarify why mutualism accurately represents a symbiotic relationship characterized by reciprocal benefits.