Question 1

What is a symbiosis?

Accepted Answer

Symbiosis is like a friendship between two different living things where they help each other out. For example, trees and fungi work together to stay healthy.

Question 2

What are mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Mycorrhizal fungi are tiny, thread-like fungi that live in the soil. They connect to tree roots and help them get food and water.

Question 3

How do trees help fungi?

Accepted Answer

Trees help fungi by giving them food made from sunlight through a process called photosynthesis. The fungi use this food to grow and stay alive.

Question 4

How do fungi help trees?

Accepted Answer

Fungi help trees by extending the tree roots to find more water and nutrients in the soil. This helps the tree grow big and strong.

Question 5

Why do trees and fungi need each other?

Accepted Answer

Trees and fungi need each other because they help each other get important things like food and water. This teamwork helps both stay healthy and survive.

Question 6

Where can you find mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Mycorrhizal fungi are found underground, almost everywhere there are plants. They live near tree roots in forests, gardens, and parks.

Question 7

Can all trees form symbiotic relationships with fungi?

Accepted Answer

Most trees can form symbiotic relationships with fungi, but not all of them. Different trees partner with different types of fungi.

Question 8

Do fungi always need trees to survive?

Accepted Answer

Many fungi need trees or other plants to survive because they get their food from them. However, some fungi can live without trees.

Question 9

How do trees and fungi communicate?

Accepted Answer

Trees and fungi communicate through their roots and the fungi's threads in the soil. They send signals and share nutrients to help each other.

Question 10

What happens if fungi are not around trees?

Accepted Answer

Without fungi, trees might not get enough water and nutrients, making it hard for them to grow well. The fungi help trees reach more soil to stay healthy.

Question 11

Are mycorrhizal fungi harmful to trees?

Accepted Answer

No, mycorrhizal fungi are not harmful. They are helpful friends to trees, making them stronger and healthier.

Question 12

Can humans see mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Mycorrhizal fungi are usually too small to see with the naked eye because they're like tiny threads in the soil. You'd need a microscope to see them clearly.

Question 13

Do all fungi form symbiotic relationships with trees?

Accepted Answer

No, not all fungi form symbiotic relationships with trees. Some fungi live independently or have other roles in nature.

Question 14

What benefits do fungi receive from trees?

Accepted Answer

Fungi receive food from trees, which they use for energy and growing. This food helps them survive in the soil environment.

Question 15

Can mycorrhizal fungi help other plants too?

Accepted Answer

Yes, mycorrhizal fungi can help many types of plants, not just trees. They can form partnerships with flowers, grasses, and bushes as well.

Question 16

How does the environment benefit from trees and fungi working together?

Accepted Answer

When trees and fungi work together, it makes the soil healthier and helps other plants grow. This keeps forests and gardens healthy and full of life.

Question 17

What's the most important job of mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

The most important job of mycorrhizal fungi is helping plants get water and nutrients from the soil. This teamwork helps plants grow better.

Question 18

Do trees and fungi help fight diseases?

Accepted Answer

Yes, fungi can help trees fight diseases by keeping tree roots strong and healthy. Strong roots make it harder for diseases to harm trees.

Question 19

Do trees give anything else to fungi besides food?

Accepted Answer

Trees mainly provide food to fungi, but in doing so, they also help create a better living environment in the soil for fungi. This helps fungi thrive.

Question 20

Can we help trees and fungi in our backyards?

Accepted Answer

Yes! By planting a variety of plants and not using too many chemicals, we can create a healthy environment for trees and fungi to grow together.

The Symbiosis of Trees and Mycorrhizal Fungi - 20 FAQs Explained Simply