Mutualism- One of the most well-known mutual relationships in the Alaskan tundra is one with the famous plant, the Lichen. Lichen is usually made up of a fungus and green alga. The alga is photosynthetic in nature and so, reduces carbon dioxide into sugars that feeds the fungus as well. The fungi helps the alga by protecting it. The type of protection the fungi gives is retaining water and obtaining minerals needed in order to survive. Thus, both benefit from this relationship.

 

 

Commensalism- Needless to say, the harsh temperatures of the tundra in the winter season is definitely a downside for vegetation. This is one reason why animals don’t live in these areas. The caribou or reindeers tend to feed on lichens when the weather is at its worst and coldest, as more often than not, this is the only food available to them which can provide them with carbohydrates and can give them energy and heat. So, when the caribou are looking for food, the arctic fox will follow them. In order to find the lichen the caribou dig into the soil. Sometimes, the digging will surface up the prey of the arctic fox. Hence, the caribou isn’t affected while the fox benefits.

 

 

Parasitism- Most cases of parasitism in the Alaskan tundra is of the liver tapeworm cysts. These cysts live in the bodies of caribou, moose, and even wolves. These cysts can leave the host malnourished, leaving with a win-lose situation.