What type of relationship occurs when both animals benefit from their interactions?

The type of relationship in which both animals benefit from their interactions is known as mutualism. In mutualistic relationships, two different species collaborate in a way that each benefits from the other. This can manifest in various forms, such as one species providing food for the other, while receiving protection in return, or one species facilitating the reproduction of another by pollination.

A classic example of mutualism is the relationship between bees and flowering plants. Bees obtain nectar from flowers, which provides them with energy and food, while at the same time, they help in the pollination process, allowing the plants to reproduce successfully. This cooperative interaction enhances the survival and fitness of both organisms involved.

The other choices do not describe a mutual benefit. Parasitism involves one organism benefiting at the expense of another, where one species exploits the other. Commensalism is a relationship where one organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed. Competition occurs when two organisms vie for the same resources, which typically results in a negative impact on both parties, rather than a benefit. These distinctions clarify why mutualism is the correct answer, emphasizing the cooperative aspect of this ecological relationship that leads to mutual advantage.