#symbiosis | Noutez

What happens when a coral bleaches

Many reef-building corals host microscopic algae that provide much of their energy through photosynthesis. Stress can disrupt this partnership, causing algae or their pigments to be lost. The pale skeleton then shows through the coral's tissue, producing bleaching; the coral may still be alive but is under strain.

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lichens

A lichen is a living association, not a single plant

A lichen combines a fungus with a photosynthetic partner, usually an alga or a cyanobacterium. The partner supplies products of photosynthesis, while the fungus provides much of the structure and a protected setting. Lichens can also contain other microbes, making the familiar patch more complex than it first appears.

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fungi

What fungi exchange with plant roots

Mycorrhizal fungi form associations with plant roots, receiving carbon compounds while helping plants obtain resources such as phosphorus. Their fine threads explore soil beyond the immediate root surface. The benefits vary with the partners and conditions, so the relationship is not equally helpful in every situation.

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