Research Keyword: Mutualism

Bacterial–Fungal Interactions: Mutualism, Antagonism, and Competition

Bacteria and fungi in animal bodies interact in three main ways: they help each other (mutualism), fight each other (antagonism), or compete for resources. These interactions happen in the gut, rumen, and skin of animals. Understanding how to balance these relationships can help create better probiotics and natural alternatives to antibiotics for treating infections and improving animal health.

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Ambrosia gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) and their microbial symbionts as a neglected model of fungus-farming evolution

Ambrosia gall midges are tiny insects that grow plants into special structures called galls where they farm fungi as food. These midges and their fungal partners have evolved a remarkable relationship where the fungi provide nutrition and protection while the midges help the fungi spread to new plants. This system offers scientists an excellent opportunity to study how insects and fungi can evolve together and influence each other’s evolution, with potential implications for understanding how new insect species form.

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