Question

Differentiate between mutualism and competition.

Answer 1

Sr. No.	Mutualism	Competition
1.	An interaction between two species in which both are benefited.	A relation that occurs when two individuals require a resource that is in short supply.
2.	Both species benefit from the interaction.	Both species or individuals struggle for the same resource which is limited.
3.	Positive interaction benefits both species.	Negative interaction due to scarcity of resources.
4.	Often obligatory for survival in some cases.	Not obligatory; it occurs due to limited resources.
5.	For example, lichens, mycorrhiza, and symbiotic nitrogen fixers.	For example, competition for food, space, or other limited resources.