Symbiotic Relationships in the Tundra - 69°12'29.99"N 166°10'1.67"E

Mutualistic relationship: Algae and Fungi

 



arctic lichen


• The fungus part of the lichen is called the mycobiont and the algae is phycobiont. Although lichens are composite organisms, they are catergorized as fungus because that is the dominant part of the lichen (thallus). The algae provides the food through photosynthesis and the lichen provides the structure.





Commensalistic Relationship: Caribou and the Arctic Fox
The arctic fox will follow behind a caribou while it is digging up the ground to find food (lichen). The arctic fox can then hunt for subnivean animals (animals that live in a layer beneath the snow). The subnivean animals come to the surface because of the caribou digging, making it easier for the arctic fox to catch them. The caribou is unaffected while the fox benefits from the caribou's actions.

Parasitic Relationship: Tape Worm and Caribou, Polar Bears, and Wolves

When the tape worm is in the larval stage, it lives within the caribou feeding on its liver. After the infected caribou is killed, the polar bear or wolf that killed it ingests the tape worm. The tapeworm does not kill the caribou, polar bear, or wolf but does cause scars on the liver where it was feeding.

Competitive Relationship: Caribou and Musk Ox

Caribou and Musk Ox typically eat the same food: lichen, berries, sedges, grasses. If food is scarce, the musk ox might begin to compete for food with the caribou.

Location: Northeastern Siberia