Question

Name and explain the type of interaction that exists in mycorrhizae and between cattle egret and cattle.

Answer 1

Mycorrhizae are associations between fungi and the roots of higher plants. It is an example of mutualism in which both fungi and plants are dependent on each other for nutritional needs. Fungi absorb and transport essential nutrients to plants and in turn plants supply sugar molecules to the fungi.
The interaction which exists between cattle egret and cattle is known as commensalism. In this type of interaction, one species is benefited, whereas the other is neither benefited nor harmed. The cattle egret (bird) usually moves in proximity to the grazing cattle. As cattle move in the grass, they stir up the grass and flush out the insects which then become an easy target for the egret. In this way, the cattle is neither benefited nor harmed, but the egret is benefited.