Assignment (group work) Interactions between species are fundamental to the complex life of a biological community.

Without plants as a source of food, many animals couldn't survive. Plants in turn derive benefits from some of their interactions with animals. The interactions between plants and animals over geologic time have resulted not only in diversity and abundance of organism but have contributed to the variety of evolutionary adaptation found in many ecosystems. Many of these interactions are resulted from evolutionary process and naturally selected. However, in modern-day technologies, these complex interactions are being exploited by human in many ways whose consequences are not fully aware of. Describe one example of plant-animal interaction that has been manipulated by human and discuss in detail the pros and cons of the interaction. Your discussion may cover several aspects described as follow: Food
o

The most common interaction between plants and animals is herbivory, where animals eat plants. Since this interaction is highly detrimental to the plant, plants have evolved a variety of defenses to protect themselves against herbivory, ranging from toxins to sharp spines.

Reproduction
o

Many plants have evolved reproductive strategies that involve animals. Animals, especially insects, feed on the nectar from their flowers, transferring pollen from one flower to another. Seeds from many species of plants are often dispersed by animals which eat the fruit or store seeds for later retrieval, helping to avoid competition between a child plant and its parent for resources.

Shelter
o

Plants form an important source of shelter for many animals. For example, birds build their nests in trees to protect their young from predators.

Mutualism
o

The relationship between some species of acacia trees and their resident ants is more complex. The ants attack insects or plants that come into contact with the tree, while the tree provides the ants with food in the form of nectar and shelter in its swollen thorns. This relationship is an example of mutualism, a species interaction where both parties benefit.

How the interaction been manipulated by human being o o Agriculture Biotechnology

Format of writing 1. 2. 3. 4. Not more than 10 pages Use 1.5 spacing, font: Arial, font size: 11 Submit not later than week 12 The cover page should include name members of the group, matric number, group, and the lecturer in charge. 5. Begin with Introduction, general description of both organisms, describes the interaction and how it benefits both organisms and how the interaction brings benefits to mankind. 6. List all the references.