Parasitism, Mutualism, and Commensalism

Symbionts

two types of organisms living in close association

Microparasites

viruses, bacteria, protozoans, pathogens

Macroparasites

fungi, vascular plants, flatworms

Parasite movement

direct or through a vector

Ectomycorrhizae

the fungus that grows between root cells and forms a mantle around the exterior of the root

Arbuscular mycorrhizae

fungus that grows into the soil, extending away from root, and penetrates into root

Obligate

both organisms involved rely on each other to live

Facultative

when one species gains a mechanismal benefit, when the other remains unaffected

Trophic Mutualism

a mutualist receives energy/nutrients from its partner

Habitat mutualism

one partner provides the other with shelter/favorable habitat

Service Mutualism

interactions in which one organism performs an ecological service for the other

Cheaters

individuals that increase offspring production by overexploiting their mutualistic partner