Also called a lichen, this symbiotic relationship is often thought of as a single organism. The fungus breaks down the nutrients on a surface such as a rock or tree and share them with the algae. The algae photosynthesis and shares its sugar with the fungus.

Question

1. Who benefits?
2. Who is harmed?
3. Who is neutral?
4. What relationship is this?

Answer 1

1. Who benefits?
   Both the fungus and the algae benefit from this relationship. The fungus provides a structure that captures moisture and nutrients, while the algae perform photosynthesis, providing carbohydrates (sugars) to the fungus.

2. Who is harmed?
   In this mutualistic relationship, neither organism is harmed. Both partners benefit from the association.

3. Who is neutral?
   There are no neutral parties in this specific symbiotic relationship, as both the fungus and the algae rely on each other for survival and benefit.

4. What relationship is this?
   This relationship is called mutualism, where both organisms involved gain benefits from the interaction.