Answer:
The orchids derive nutrients from the association at very young stages of its life cycle while the fungi obtain water and organic matter
Explanation:
As stated in this question, fungi species belonging to the phylum Basidiomycota form mycorrhizal associations with a flowering plant called orchids. This relationship is a mutualistic one because both participants benefit from the relationship.
In this association, the young orchid plant relies on the mycorrhizal fungi's metabolism to get nutrients needed for its development in form of carbohydrates while the fungi in return gets water (from the roots of the plant) and organic matter.
