Multiple Choice
How are mutualism and parasitism different in terms of the effects on the interacting species?
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51. Community Ecology
Community Interactions: Mutualism (+/+) & Commensalism (+/0)
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Which of the following best illustrates a mutualistic relationship between animals and plants?
A
A fungus decomposing dead plant material
B
A caterpillar eating the leaves of a plant
C
A bird nesting in a tree without affecting the tree
D
Bees pollinating flowers while obtaining nectar for food
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of mutualism: Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship where both organisms involved benefit from the interaction.
Analyze the options provided: Evaluate each example to determine whether both organisms benefit. For instance, a fungus decomposing dead plant material benefits the fungus but does not directly benefit the plant, so it is not mutualism.
Focus on the correct answer: Bees pollinating flowers while obtaining nectar for food. Bees benefit by obtaining nectar as a food source, while flowers benefit because pollination helps them reproduce by transferring pollen.
Explain the mechanism: Bees collect nectar from flowers using their proboscis, and in the process, pollen grains stick to their bodies. When bees visit another flower, they transfer the pollen, facilitating fertilization.
Conclude why this is mutualism: Both the bees and the flowers gain something essential for their survival or reproduction, making this a clear example of a mutualistic relationship.
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