Mutualism

This is an image of poison ivy on a tree that I saw while I was in the car. This is a symbiosis relationship, a close relationship between two species that benefits at least one of the species. The type of symbiotic relationship that exists between the poison ivy and tree is called mutualism. Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship that benefits both species. In this case, the poison ivy is being benefited because the tree is giving it shelter. The tree is being benefited as well because the poison ivy is giving the tree protection. The poison ivy stops other creatures from harming the tree. If an organism tries to penetrate the tree, the poison ivy will infect the penetrating organism. The poison ivy is stable on the tree, as both of these things are being benefited. For these reasons, the relationship existing with the tree and poison ivy in this image is an example of mutualism.