Symbiosis

Symbiosis is the intimate relationship or interaction between two species. Symbiosis can be categorised into 3 main types, depending on the types of interactions:

1. Mutualism (+/+)
2. Commensalism (+/0)
3. Parasitism (+/-)

• The parasite gains at the expense of its host

The most widespread symbiosis of all the above is still between plants and fungi. More than 80% of all higher land plant species benefit from fungus' ability to extract nutrients (mainly phosphorus) from the soil. In return, the fungi receives organic carbon molecules (glucose and amino acids) from plants.