Question

Give two examples each of mutualism and proto-cooperation.

Answer 1

Hint: The interaction between the populations of organisms which may be beneficial for both. It may cause the species to co-evolve.

Complete solution:
To solve this question, first we should talk about population interaction. In a biological community all animals, plants, and microbes interact with each other. Such relationships may be beneficial, harmful or neutral to one or both organisms.
1) When the two main organisms of the population interact in such a way that they are mutually beneficial, then this type of interaction is considered mutualism.
Examples-
Lichens are a perfect example of mutualism between the algae and the fungi. Fungi supply the algae with nutrients, minerals and space. So algae produce food for themselves and for fungi.
Rhizobium is the association between the nitrogen fixing bacteria and the plant. They fix atmospheric nitrogen for the plant and in return plants produce food for themselves and for fungi.

2) Protocooperation is a kind of partnership between two separate species organisms in which both benefit, but the relationship is not necessary.
Examples-
Predatory birds sitting on cattle are a protocooperation example as the bird eats ectoparasites such as leeches, etc.
Relationship between sea anemones and hermit crabs. Hermit crabs also take up a young sea anemone to add to their body, and become life partners. Once hermit crabs outgrow their shell they also take in them the sea anemone to the fresh one.

Note: Species clash because they have competing niches, that is to say competing ecological functions and survival and reproductive requirements. Competition can be reduced if two organisms with different niches adapt by natural selection and use less identical resources, resulting in a partitioning of resources.