Mutualism
▪ Mutualism is referred to as the interspecific interaction in which both the interacting species are benefited.
▪ Some examples of mutualism
a. Lichens represent close association between fungus and photosynthetic algae or cyanobacteria, where the fungus helps in the absorption of nutrients and provides protection while algae or cyanobacterium prepares the food.
b. Mycorrhizae are close mutual association between fungi and the roots of higher plants, where fungi helps the plant for absorption of nutrients while the plant provides food for the fungus.
c. Mutualism are found in plant–animal relationships. Plants take the help of animals for pollination and dispersal of their seeds and animals are rewarded in the form of nectar or edible pollen or oviposition (site for laying egg).
d. The male bee pseudocopulates with it and during this process of pseudocopulation, the pollen grains are dusted on the body of male bees.
e. With such pollen dusts, male bee pseudocopulates to another flower of the same species and pollination takes place.
