Which of the following best describes mutualism?

Mutualism is defined as a type of interaction between two species where both species derive benefits from the relationship. This kind of interaction can take various forms, such as pollination, where bees obtain nectar from flowers while simultaneously helping to pollinate them, ensuring reproduction for the plants.

In mutualistic relationships, the benefits can come in various forms such as nutrition, protection, or assistance in reproduction. For example, oxpeckers feeding on ticks found on large mammals benefit from a food source, while the mammals benefit from the reduction of parasites. This synergy enhances the survival and reproductive success of both partners involved, which is the hallmark of mutualism.

Other answer choices describe different interactions that do not fit the mutualistic framework. For instance, one species benefiting at the expense of another indicates parasitism or predation, while competition involves two organisms vying for shared limited resources, which does not include mutual benefits. A situation where species live in isolation does not describe an interaction at all, as mutualism inherently involves interaction between species. Therefore, the best description of mutualism is that both species benefit from the interaction.