What happens when symbiotic relationships break down?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Breakdowns of symbiotic relationships wreak havoc on ecosystems. Coral bleaching occurs when stressed corals expel their algal partners, leading to nutrient starvation. Pollination failure leads to a complete breakdown of food production. These breakdowns reduce biodiversity and destabilize environmental balances over many habitats.
Coral Reef Collapse
- Bleaching events occur when corals expel symbiotic algae
- Reefs lose up to 90% of their nutritional sources
- Coral mortality rates exceed 50% in severe events
- Entire marine ecosystems lose habitat and biodiversity
Agricultural Breakdown
- Pollinator decline reduces fruit and seed production
- Apple yields drop over 40% without bee pollination
- Coffee plants suffer significant production decreases
- Food security becomes compromised globally
Forest Ecosystem Damage
- Drought disrupts mycorrhizal fungi-tree partnerships
- Trees lose nutrient absorption capacity
- Increased vulnerability to pests and diseases
- Carbon sequestration capabilities diminish
Coral reef collapse illustrates a catastrophic failure of symbiosis. The algae that live in symbiosis with corals produce toxins instead of food when the water temperature exceeds 86°F. Corals expel their symbiotic partners and become white due to the bleaching process. In a few weeks, the entire environment of the coral reef will be destroyed, along with its habitats for fish and its role in protecting the coast.
When pollination mutualisms fail, agricultural systems suffer. Bee colony collapse results in a loss of over 40% of apple blossom pollination. Almond crops require nearly 100% pollination by bees for nut production to occur. Without these mutualisms, the produce sections of supermarkets would be unrecognizable.
Forest health suffers when mycorrhizal networks fail. Fungi stop transporting nutrients between trees during periods of drought. Mature trees grow more slowly, while seedlings often die due to nutrient deprivation. This breakdown of the system exposes forests to increased wildfire risk and the release of carbon dioxide from dying forests.
The gut microbiome imbalance has a significant impact on human health. Antibiotics kill beneficial bacteria, which facilitates the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. This dysbiosis can lead to digestive issues and a weakened immune system. To restore a healthy balance, both probiotics and a balanced diet are necessary considerations.
Restoration efforts are primarily focused on partner rebuilding. Coral gardening engages with the replanting of heat-resistant algae. Pollinator habitats are often established in proximity to farmed areas. The management of forests and woodlands usually includes the use of mycorrhizal inoculants. Protecting existing symbiotic relationships remains more demonstrably effective than re-establishing them.
Read the full article: 10 Symbiotic Relationships Examples in Nature
