Explain mutualism with the help of any two examples. How is it different from commensalism?
• Both the interacting species are benefited in mutualism interaction.
• Examples of mutualism are given below:
1. Association between fungi and plant:The mutualistic relationship showed by Mycorrhizae is associations between fungi and the roots of higher plants.For the absorption of essential nutrients from the soil, the fungi help the plant while in turn, the plant provides the fungi with energy-yielding carbohydrates.
2. Pollination:The pollen and nectar for pollinators and juicy and nutritious fruits for seed dispersers as a reward provided by the flower of plants for the getting benefit for pollinating their flowers and dispersing their seeds. The plant-pollinator’ pair often goes co-evolution to safeguard against the use of the nectar by other non-important organisms.
• Mutualism is different from commensalism in that the latter gives benefit to just one of the participating species, the benefitted species being called a commensal.
Couldn't generate an explanation.
Generated by AI. May contain inaccuracies — always verify with your textbook.