Living BeingsCompare species
African Baobab
Adansonia digitata
Aliivibrio fischeri
Aliivibrio fischeri
Evidence from the profiles
Compare their characteristics
| Trait | African Baobab | Aliivibrio fischeri |
|---|---|---|
| Physical traits | Thick, fibrous bark surrounds a broad trunk. Each compound leaf has several leaflets radiating from a central point. | Small bacterial cells require microscopy for direct observation. Light emission is a physiological property, not a visible body-color diagnosis. |
| Habitat and range | A terrestrial tree of tropical Africa, it is adapted to seasonally dry conditions and is also planted in gardens and settlements. | Marine environmental phases and specialized host-associated sites provide distinct growth conditions. |
| Diet and nutrition | Leaves produce sugars through photosynthesis. Water and mineral nutrients are taken up through the roots. | Organic substrates support metabolism. Conditions inside a host can differ substantially from those in surrounding seawater. |
| Behavior and activity | Data unavailable | Chemical signaling and population context influence light production and other behaviors relevant to colonization. |
| Reproduction and life cycle | Large, hanging white flowers develop into capsules containing seeds embedded in pale, powdery pulp. New trees can be grown from seed. | Cell multiplication and repeated opportunities for host colonization connect free-living and symbiotic phases. |
| Geographic distribution | Native to Africa and cultivated elsewhere. The accompanying photograph shows a planted specimen in Madagascar; that location should not be confused with the native range of every baobab species. | Environmental and host-derived strains have documented collection localities. The origin of one experimental strain does not define the full range. |
| Ecological role | Its flowers, fruit and extensive woody structure provide biological resources. The familiar name baobab also applies to other species, which should not be confused with this one. | The well-studied squid association demonstrates a microbial contribution to an animal's light-producing system. |
| Distinctive adaptations | A substantial trunk and drought-resistant growth form help distinguish this tree from many humid-forest trees. | Bioluminescence, environmental sensing and colonization traits help explain the model symbiosis. |
Classification
Shared ancestry
Closest shared taxon: cellular organisms.