In a specific ecological association, fungi are found associated with the roots of higher plants. The fungi help the plant in the absorption of essential nutrients from the soil, while the plant in turn provides the fungi with energy-yielding carbohydrates. This association is an example of :

Step-by-step solution

The association between fungi and the roots of higher plants is called mycorrhizae. In this relationship, both the interacting species derive benefit from each other. The fungi absorb essential nutrients from the soil for the plant, and the plant provides energy-yielding carbohydrates to the fungi. Since both species benefit, it is a (+, +) interaction, which is termed mutualism. Commensalism is incorrect as it involves one species benefiting while the other is unaffected. Parasitism and amensalism involve harm to