Final answer:
A mutualistic interaction usually reduces competition by improving resource availability, which allows both species involved to coexist more effectively. This improves efficiency in the use of energy and matter and helps alleviate competitive pressures between the species.
Step-by-step explanation:
A mutualistic interaction usually reduces competition by enhancing resource availability for the interacting species. When two species engage in a mutualistic relationship, they generally benefit from each other, leading to greater efficiency in the use of energy and matter. As a result, both species can coexist more effectively, which reduces the level of competition for shared resources.
In mutualism, each member of the association provides resources or services that benefit the other, often allowing both to have better access to resources than they would on their own. Therefore, mutualism can alleviate competitive pressures by expanding the total resource base or by allowing species to access resources more effectively.