Conflict and cheating in Symbiosis

Based on Douglas 2008

Symbiosis

A persistent association between different species, which can be mutualistic, commensal, or parasitic.

Cheating

Behavior in symbiotic relationships where one partner gains benefits while providing little or no services in return.

Byproduct mutualism

Interactions that incur no conflict because they benefit one partner incidentally, such as nitrogen recycling.

Sanctions

Actions taken by one partner in a symbiotic relationship to punish cheating behavior by another partner.

Reciprocity

A mutual exchange of services in a symbiotic relationship, where each partner benefits from providing the service.

Cost-free interactions

Symbiotic interactions that do not impose costs on the partner providing the benefit, often enhancing persistence.

Vertical transmission

The process by which symbiotic traits are passed down from parent to offspring, promoting symbiont cooperation.

Conflict resolution

Mechanisms that manage or mitigate the conflicts in symbiotic relationships to maintain cooperation.

Defection from mutualism

When a partner in a symbiosis evolves to exploit the relationship without fulfilling mutualistic roles, effectively becoming a cheat.

Prisoner’s Dilemma

A situation in which two individuals may not cooperate even if it is in their best interest to do so, applicable in the context of cheating in symbiosis.

What are the important considerations and characters of fungi and bacteria when it comes to understanding how they both evolve interactions with each other?

1) Specificity and intimacy

2) Environmental context

3) Physical association and molecular dialogue

4) Nutrient acquisition

5) Habitat modification

Why is there so much variation in how fungi and bacteria interact (competition, or not, etc) and the consequences of those interactions.

Diverse interaction mechanisms BFI involves various molecular mechanisms, including antibiosis, signaling, chemotaxis, adhesion, and protein secretion. These mechanisms can lead to different outcomes, such as inhibition, growth promotion, or modification of behavior

 

Environmental conditions Environmental factors, such as nutrient availability, pH, and oxygen levels, can influence the nature and strength of BFI. Different conditions may favor competition or cooperation between the interacting partners.

 

Host-dependent and independent mechanisms Homeostasis in plant tissues involves host-dependent and independent mechanisms, including metabolic interdependencies, secretion of antimicrobials, and production of protective barriers. These mechanisms contribute to the balance between symbiosis and dysbiosis.

 

Evolutionary history The evolutionary history of the interacting species shapes the outcomes of BFI. Co-evolution can lead to mutualistic relationships, while competition may result in antagonistic interactions8 .... Horizontal gene transfer can also contribute to the evolution of BFI