Explain mutualism with examples.

Explanation

Mutualism or symbiosis in which both the species are mutually benefitted but association is obligatory and they cannot live separately under normal conditions.
e.g , mycorrhizae with association of fungus (e.g Boletus ) and root of higher plants . the fungi help the plant in the soil while the plant in turn provides the fungi with carbohydrates .
Lichens represent an intimate mutualistic relationship between a fungus and photosynthesising algae or cyanobacteria .
Root nodules of legume plants , Casuarina , Alnus and leaf nodules plants , Casuarina , Alnus and leaf nodules of Aerdisia have symbiotic association of nitrogen fixing bacteria - Rhuzobium . The plants provide food and shelter to the bacteria and the bacteria fix free atmospheric nitrogen to the plant.
The most interesting example of mutualism ate found in plant - animal relationship . Plants take the help of animals for pollinating their flowers and disperisng their seeds . Animal gett rewards or fees in the form of pllen and nectar ( for pollinators ) and juicy and nutritious fruits ( For seed dispersals) . In many species if fig trees , three is a tight one - to -one relationship with the pollinator species of waso . The female wasp pollinates the fig infloresence while seaching for suitable egg laying sites . In reuturn for the favour of pollination , the fig offers the wasp some of its developing seeds as food for the developing wasp larvae .
The Mediterranean orchid orchid ophrys employs sexual deceit to get pollination done by a species of bee , One petal of its flower bears an uncarry resemblance to the flower and during that process is dusted with pollan form the flower . When this same bee pseudocopulates with another flower , it transfer pollen to it and thus pollinates the flower.