What type of ecological relationship benefits both species involved?

The correct response illustrates the concept of mutualism, which is a type of ecological relationship where both species involved derive benefits from their interaction. In mutualistic relationships, the organisms may assist each other in various ways, such as through the provision of resources, protection, or facilitating reproduction. A common example of mutualism is the relationship between bees and flowering plants, where bees receive nectar for food while pollinating the plants, thus aiding in their reproduction.

In contrast, predation involves one organism benefiting at the expense of another, where one species hunts and consumes another. Commensalism describes a relationship where one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed. Parasitism is similar to predation, but instead of killing the host, the parasite lives on or in the host organism and harms it while benefiting itself. Therefore, mutualism is unique in that both species engage in a symbiotic interaction that promotes the well-being of each, distinguishing it clearly from the other types of relationships mentioned.