Mutualism Flashcards
1
Q
types of mutualism
A
direct and indirect
- transport
- nutritional
- propagules
- gamete mutualism
- protective
2
Q
plant mutualism
A
bacteria, fungi and animals
benefits:
- nitrogen fixation
- enhanced nutrient and water uptake
- pollination (gamete mutualism) and seed dispersal (propagules)
3
Q
mycorrhizal fungi - plants
A
nutritional
- increase access to water, nitrogen, phosphorous
- fungi get energy rich root exudates
- balance sheet can be altered by availability of nutrients
4
Q
plant-ant protection
A
protective
- plants give food and shelter for protection
5
Q
coral mutualists
A
corals depend on algae and animals
6
Q
algae - zooxanthellae (coral)
A
provide coral energy for nutrients, especially nitrogen (scarce in ocean)
coral chemically solicits release of organic compounds from algae and controls its growth
7
Q
animals - crabs and shrimps (coral)
A
protect in exchange for food and shelter
8
Q
evolution of mutualism
A
theory predicts that mutualism will evolve where the benefits exceed the costs
- weigh herbivory by ants against need for protection
- more likely when alternative defences are low
