What term describes a relationship where both species involved benefit from their interaction?

The term that describes a relationship where both species involved benefit from their interaction is mutualism. In mutualistic relationships, organisms from different species cooperate in a way that enhances the survival, reproduction, or health of both parties involved. This can be observed in various ecosystems; for example, bees and flowering plants exhibit mutualism because bees obtain nectar for food while simultaneously pollinating the plants, which facilitates their reproduction.

Mutualism can manifest in different forms, such as obligate mutualism, where the species rely completely on each other for survival, and facultative mutualism, where the relationship is beneficial but not essential for both species. Understanding mutualism is crucial in ecology because it highlights the interdependence of species and the complexity of food webs and ecosystems.