Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is an example of a commensal relationship?
A
Barnacles attaching to the shell of a turtle without affecting the turtle
B
Ticks feeding on the blood of a mammal
C
Bees pollinating flowers while obtaining nectar
D
Clownfish living among the tentacles of sea anemones, both benefiting
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of a commensal relationship. In biology, a commensal relationship is a type of symbiotic interaction where one organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed.
Step 2: Analyze each option provided in the question to determine if it fits the definition of a commensal relationship.
Step 3: Option 1: Barnacles attaching to the shell of a turtle without affecting the turtle. This fits the definition of commensalism because the barnacles benefit by gaining a surface to attach to, while the turtle is neither helped nor harmed.
Step 4: Option 2: Ticks feeding on the blood of a mammal. This is an example of parasitism, not commensalism, because the tick benefits while the mammal is harmed.
Step 5: Option 3: Bees pollinating flowers while obtaining nectar and Option 4: Clownfish living among the tentacles of sea anemones, both benefiting, are examples of mutualism, where both organisms benefit. These do not fit the definition of commensalism.