3. Discuss the relationship between the following organisms -
a ) a parasitic plant with its host
b) an algae and fungi living together as lichen
c) a mushroom growing on organic matter
Answers
Answer:
a) Parasitism
b) Mycorrhizal association
c) parasite
Answer:
(a) A parasitic relationship is one organism, the parasite, lives off of another organism, the host, harming it and possibly causing death. The parasite lives on or in the body of the host. A few examples of parasites are tapeworms, fleas and barnacles.
(b) A Lichen is not a single organism, it is a stable symbiotic association between a fungus and algae and/or cyanobacteria. Like all fungi, lichen fungi requires carbon as a food source this is provided by their symbiotic algae and/or cyanobacteria, that are photosynthetic.
(c) In these processes, bacteria, fungi, molds, protozoa, actinomycetes and other saprophytic organisms feed upon decaying organic materials initially, while in the later stages of decomposition mites, millipedes, centipedes, springtales, beetles and earthworms furthur breakdown and enrich the composting materials.