Discuss the three types of symbiosis, which can be identified on the basis of energy transfer

      

Discuss the three types of symbiosis, which can be identified on the basis of energy transfer

  

Answers


Francis
1. Mutualism
This is a symbiotic relationship from which the two species involved benefit. It is the interaction displayed by Rhizobium bacteria and the root nodules of leguminous plant. Large colonies of bacteria in root nodules fix gaseous nitrogen to available forms such as nitrate and ammonium ions. Thus plants benefit by obtaining available nitrogen, which bacteria have reduced in a habitat. Mutualism is also demonstrated between ants and the acacia of the East Africa Savannah. The former protect the trees from predation and damages by ungulates while the latter provide the insects with food (nectarines) and a habitat.

2. Communalism
This is an association from which one species benefits while the other is neither harmed nor helped. Epiphytes, for instance, use tree trunks to reach upper canopies to get access to sunlight. These so called air plants, take nothing from the tree leaves and do harm or benefit from it.

3. Parasitism
This is a symbiotic association where one species the parasite benefits while the other species the host is harmed. From the host, the parasite takes its nourishment, which can be in form of blood or sap. Parasites can live on the host (ecoparasite) or in the host (endoparasite). Animal plaguing parasite includes lice, ticks and worms. Parasites, which plague plants, include fungi, which cause disease and wheat rust.
francis1897 answered the question on October 11, 2022 at 06:12


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