8- Mutualism & Symbiosis

Flashcards reviewing key concepts from a lecture on plant-pollinator interactions, seed dispersal, and microbial symbiosis.

What is symbiosis?

Any type of close interaction between two species; it can be a mutualism, commensalism, or parasitism.

what are microorganisms that live in the digestive tracts of herbivores, aiding in the breakdown of cellulose and other complex carbohydrates?

microbial symbionts

Define mutualism.

interactions between species that provide fitness benefits to both partners

what is mutual exploitation?

each species maximizes fitness benefits by minimizing investment and maximizing gain

What is pollination and the common methods of pollination?

The process by which pollen (containing the male gamete) is transferred to the female reproductive organ of the plant.

• Animal pollination and wind pollination

what does pollination mutualisms do

enables plant sexual reproduction

What are Pollinator Rewards?

the food and shelter that flowers offer to attract pollinators

Name some pollinator rewards.

Nectar, pollen, trichomes, fragrance/floral oils, lipids, and sleep sites.

what is Mutualism - Parasitism Continuum?

A spectrum of interactions between species ranging from mutualism, where both benefit, to parasitism, where one benefits at the other's expense.

What are ecosystem services?

Functions provided by nature that improve and sustain human wellbeing.

What is animal seed dispersal?

The process by which seeds are transported away from the parent plant.

Name some reasons why plants need to disperse seeds.

To escape high rates of predation and disease near parents, reduce competition, colonize open habitats, and gut passage can increase germination.

What is the role of seed predators?

They consume fruits but destroy seeds.

What does the Janzen-Connell hypothesis state?

Density-dependent survival of plants is a key factor explaining the maintenance of biodiversity.

In the Janzen-Connell hypothesis, what occurs when seeds fall near parent tree?

seeds that fall close won’t survive

What are microbes and their examples?

Tiny organisms you can’t see with the naked eye

• ex: bacteria, fungi, viruses, protists, algae, and archaea.

What is a microbiome?

A complete community of microbiota as well as the habitat in which they reside.

How do plant microbiomes affect plants?

Affects growth, productivity, disease resistance, and more.

What is a holobiont?

An assemblage of a host and the many other species living in or around it, which together form a discrete ecological unit through symbiosis.