The actinomycete nitrogen-fixing bacteria called Frankia, which live in alder tree root receive a protected home while the alder tree receives the nitrogen it needs in a usable form.

Question

Who benefits?
Who is harmed?
Who is neutral?
What relationship is this?

Answer 1

In the relationship between the actinomycete nitrogen-fixing bacteria Frankia and alder trees:

1. Who benefits?

   • Both the Frankia bacteria and the alder trees benefit from this relationship. The alder trees gain access to usable nitrogen, which is essential for their growth, while the Frankia bacteria receive a protected habitat and nutrients from the alder tree.

2. Who is harmed?

   • In this mutualistic relationship, there are no parties that are harmed. Both the bacteria and the trees thrive with the arrangement.

3. Who is neutral?

   • In this specific context, there are no neutral parties involved. The relationship is beneficial to both organisms.

4. What relationship is this?

   • This relationship is classified as a mutualistic symbiosis, where both species benefit from the interaction.

Overall, this is an example of a mutually beneficial association in nature.