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Glite Dictionary
mutualistic

mutualistic

1 6.0
A relationship in which both sides benefit
  • adjective
  • /ˌmjuːtʃuˈælɪstɪk/
translation icon : mutualista
  • The counterpart to it is the Red King's Hypothesis, first posited in 2003: in mutualistic relationships, evolving more slowly can be favored.
  • mutualistic relationship
  • mutualistic interactions
  • mutualistic associations

That relationship was one of mutualistic necessity.

Examples

  • Parasites and their hosts coevolve more rapidly, and partners in a mutualistic relationship can evolve more slowly.

    Blog text (33)

  • The two species have a mutualistic relationship in shallow reefs off the North Carolina coast.

    Academic text (1998)

  • Whenever one species depends on another, sustainable use requires maintenance of the mutualistic relationship.

    Academic text (1990)

  • How will changes in land use and climate affect ecologically and economically important mutualistic relationships among species?

    Academic text (2011)

  • For example, tree growth depends on mutualistic associations between the trees and fungi that infect their roots.

    Academic text (1990)

  • Such questions have been well explored by researchers studying animal and plant pathogenic relationships or plant-bacteria mutualistic symbioses.

    Academic text (1993)

  • Other fungi form external mutualistic symbioses with insects, such as attine ants, some termites, wood wasps, and ambrosia beetles.

    Academic text (2008)

  • A mutualistic relationship between bees and flowers benefits both, as bees gather nectar while helping flowers to pollinate.

  • The clownfish and the sea anemone share a mutualistic bond, where the clownfish gets protection and the anemone receives nutrients.

  • Many plants exhibit mutualistic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi, which enhance nutrient uptake in exchange for carbohydrates.

Synonyms

mutual
vsmutualistic
404 2.8

Shared and felt equally by two or more people together

is narrower, stressing that both sides benefit from the relationship
mutually beneficial
vsmutualistic
13 3.7

Good for both sides

is used for relationships where both parties gain from each other
reciprocatory
vsmutualistic
8.8

Given by each side to the other

focuses on both sides receiving benefit rather than mere exchange
reciprocative
vsmutualistic
8.1

Done by each person or group to the other in return

highlights mutual gain rather than reciprocal action alone

Antonyms

exploitative
17 7.2

Treating people unfairly to make money or get an advantage

How Mutual

symbiotic
  • Specialized
18 5.9
mutualistic
1 6.0
mutual
404 2.8
cooperative
119 3.5
one-sided
26 4.0

Surface Forms

mutualistic positive

Morphology

mutualistic = mutual (transparent) = mutual + istic

Derived by adding the adjectival suffix '-istic' to 'mutual', producing an adjective meaning 'relating to mutual benefit'.

Etymology

Mutualistic comes from mutual, which goes back to the old Latin word mutuus meaning 'given in return' or 'shared'. So a mutualistic relationship is like a friendship where help is 'shared' and both sides benefit.