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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the best example of commensalism in a biological community?
A
Barnacles attaching to the shell of a turtle, gaining transportation while the turtle is unaffected
B
Bees pollinating flowers, where both the bee and the flower benefit
C
A tapeworm living in the intestine of a mammal, harming the host
D
A lion hunting and eating a zebra
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the concept of commensalism. Commensalism is a type of symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits while the other organism is neither helped nor harmed.
Step 2: Analyze each option provided in the question to determine if it fits the definition of commensalism.
Step 3: Option 1: Barnacles attaching to the shell of a turtle. Barnacles benefit by gaining transportation and access to nutrient-rich waters, while the turtle is unaffected. This fits the definition of commensalism.
Step 4: Option 2: Bees pollinating flowers. Both the bee and the flower benefit, as the bee gains nectar and the flower achieves reproduction. This is an example of mutualism, not commensalism.
Step 5: Option 3: A tapeworm living in the intestine of a mammal harms the host while benefiting itself. This is an example of parasitism, not commensalism. Option 4: A lion hunting and eating a zebra involves predation, where one organism benefits and the other is harmed. This is also not commensalism.