Lecture 21: Mutualism & Symbiosis

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to mutualism, symbiosis, and ecological interactions as discussed in Lecture 21.

Mutualism

A beneficial interaction for both species.

Symbiosis

Living together; a close ecological relationship between two or more species.

Co-evolution

The process by which two or more species influence each other's evolutionary trajectory.

Nutritional mutualism

Type of mutualism where species exchange nutrients, such as carbon or nitrogen.

Defensive mutualism

Mutualism where one species provides protection to another in exchange for resources.

Dispersal mutualism

Mutualism in which one species aids in the dispersal of another's seeds in exchange for food.

Invasional meltdown

The process by which two non-native species facilitate each other's spread and growth.

Microbiomes

Communities of microbes living together with a host or environment.

Endosymbionts

Bacteria or other microorganisms that live inside the cells of a host.

Reciprocal adaptation

Evolutionary changes in one species that occur in response to changes in another species.

Buchnera

Intracellular bacteria in aphids that provide essential amino acids.

Example of Nutritional Mutualism

Lichens, where fungi provide a protected environment and algae or cyanobacteria provide carbohydrates through photosynthesis.

Example of Defensive Mutualism

Ants living in acacia trees, where the trees provide nectar and shelter, and the ants defend the tree from herbivores and competing plants.

Example of Dispersal Mutualism

Fruit-eating animals (frugivores) dispersing seeds after consuming fruit, providing a benefit to the plant for reproduction and to the animal for food.