Ecologists first began to understand trophic mutualisms in the mid-20th century with the investigation of nutrient abundance and distribution.
One of the first trophic mutualisms was discovered in 1958 by Professor Leonard Muscatine of UCLA, the relationship between endozoic algae and coral.
Perhaps one of the most famous discoveries made by Muscatine in the field of trophic mutualism came about 10 years later in another aquatic based system-the relationship between algae and water hydra.
[8] This work was significant in establishing the presence of mutualistic relationships in both aquatic and terrestrial environments.
In turn, the ants will feed on a special nutrient that is only created by the fungus they nurture.