When two species of wildlife live together for the benefit of both, what is this relationship called?

The relationship where two species of wildlife interact in a way that is beneficial to both is known as mutualism. In mutualistic relationships, both species gain advantages that promote their survival and reproduction. For example, in the case of bees and flowering plants, bees gain nectar as food while simultaneously pollinating the plants, which helps them reproduce. This contributes positively to the ecosystem as a whole and exemplifies the cooperative aspect of mutualism.

Predation describes a relationship where one species hunts and consumes another, leading to a direct benefit for the predator but not for the prey. Competition occurs when two species vie for the same resources, which can lead to negative outcomes for one or both species involved. Commensalism refers to a relationship where one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed, indicating an imbalance in the mutual benefit that characterizes mutualism. Therefore, the defining feature of mutualism is the interaction's positive effect on both species involved.