The 5 Big Time Mutualisms

 The Effect of Global Climate Change on the 5 Big Time Mutualisms 1. Mycorrhizal fungi growing on the roots of land plants What are mycorrhizal fungi?      Mycorrhizal fungi are found on the root systems of the vast majority of terrestrial plants. This type of fungi colonize the root system of a host plant and form a symbiotic relationship with the plant. Symbiosis is a mutually beneficial relationship between two organisms. The mycorrhizal fungi increases the water and nutrient, mainly phosphorus, uptake for the host plant ("The Truth About Phosphates and Mycorrhizal Fungi", 2013). In return, the plant provides the fungi with the sugar and energy needed for survival. For example, a large source of energy that a host plant can supply to its mycorrhizal fungi is fixed carbon.  How does global climate change effect mycorrhizal fungi and their host plants?      It is speculated that due to the warming climate, there is an increase in soil temperature...