Question

What is mutualism? Mention any two examples where the organisms involved are commercially exploited in agriculture. [2]

Answer 1

Mutualism is a relationship between two species in which both organisms are benefited. [1]

Examples of the organisms that are commercially exploited in agriculture are as follows:
(i) Rhizobium is a bacteria that lives in symbiotic relationship with legumes. It is used by farmers to replenish the lost nitrogen in the soil. [0.5]

(ii) Mycorrhiza is an association of the soil fungus with the roots of higher plants. It is used by farmers to reduce soil erosion by improving plant rooting capacity. [0.5]