Question

What term describes the close association of a fungus with the root of a tree?

Answer 1

Answer:

a mycorrhiza

Explanation:

Mycorrhizae are mutualistic associations that occur between fungi and the roots of most vascular plants, which are those that have sap-carrying vessels.

Fungi increase the nutrient absorption capacity of plants while providing sugars and amino acids essential for the existence of fungi.  That is, both (fungi and plants) are mutually beneficial. This is because fungi nourish plants and they, in turn, during photosynthesis produce carbohydrates that are assimilated by the fungi.

Mycorrhizae absorb nutrients from the soil and transmit them to plants. In this way, plants absorb water and mineral salts more easily and are therefore able to develop better and resist disease as well as climate change.