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The Forest Community
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Other interesting ecosystem interactions involve microorganisms. Some fungi are involved in decomposing fallen woody material. This decomposition returns organic matter and minerals back into the soil for use by the trees. |
Other times decaying logs are actually sites for a new forest to begin. |
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Some microorganisms actually make their home inside tree roots. An example of this is nitrogen fixing bacteria which cause the tree to produce root nodules. The bacteria produce nitrogen (fertilizer) for the tree to use and the tree produces sugar for the bacteria to use. Both benefit! |
| In a similar way a type of fungi called mycorrhizae actually grow on roots. The fungi help the tree find water and nutrients and the tree produces food for the fungi. These types of mutually beneficial interactions are called symbiosis. | 
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