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Multiple Choice
Which type of ecological relationship is formed when an Alcon blue caterpillar lives in a Myrmica ant nest?
A
Mutualism
B
Competition
C
Parasitism
D
Commensalism
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of ecological relationships: Ecological relationships describe interactions between organisms in an ecosystem. The main types are mutualism, parasitism, commensalism, and competition.
Define parasitism: Parasitism is a relationship where one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of the other organism (the host), often causing harm to the host.
Analyze the interaction between the Alcon blue caterpillar and Myrmica ants: The caterpillar lives in the ant nest and manipulates the ants into caring for it, benefiting from their resources while potentially harming the ants by consuming their brood.
Compare this interaction to other ecological relationships: Mutualism involves both organisms benefiting, commensalism involves one organism benefiting without harming the other, and competition involves organisms vying for the same resources. None of these fit the described interaction.
Conclude that the relationship is parasitism: Based on the caterpillar benefiting at the ants' expense, this interaction is classified as parasitism.