Symbioses Between Microbes and Their Hosts — Mutualism, Parasitism, and Coevolution Explained | Chapter 23 from Brock Biology of Microorganisms
Symbioses Between Microbes and Their Hosts — Mutualism, Parasitism, and Coevolution Explained | Chapter 23 from Brock Biology of Microorganisms How do microbes interact with other organisms—and with each other—to shape life on Earth? Chapter 23 of Brock Biology of Microorganisms dives deep into the diverse symbiotic relationships between microbes and their hosts, from lichens and plant roots to insects, marine animals, and mammals. These interactions underpin nutrient cycling, defense, energy flow, and even evolutionary processes across ecosystems. Watch the complete chapter summary below and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more essential textbook breakdowns! Microbial–Microbial Symbioses Some of the earliest and most fascinating symbioses occur between different microbes. Lichens are a classic example—mutualistic associations between a fungus and a photobiont (green alga or cyanobacterium). The photosynthetic partner provides organic carbon, while the fungus ...