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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is an example of a symbiotic relationship in ecology?
A
A clownfish living among the tentacles of a sea anemone
B
A flock of birds migrating together
C
A tree shading the ground beneath it
D
A lion hunting a zebra
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of a symbiotic relationship. Symbiosis refers to a close and long-term biological interaction between two different organisms, which can be mutualistic (both benefit), commensalistic (one benefits, the other is unaffected), or parasitic (one benefits, the other is harmed).
Step 2: Analyze the first option: 'A clownfish living among the tentacles of a sea anemone.' This is a mutualistic relationship because the clownfish gains protection from predators by hiding among the sea anemone's tentacles, while the sea anemone benefits from the clownfish by receiving nutrients from its waste and protection from certain predators.
Step 3: Evaluate the second option: 'A flock of birds migrating together.' This is not a symbiotic relationship because the birds are of the same species and are cooperating rather than interacting in a long-term relationship with a different species.
Step 4: Examine the third option: 'A tree shading the ground beneath it.' This is not a symbiotic relationship because the shading effect is not a direct biological interaction with another organism; it is simply an environmental consequence.
Step 5: Assess the fourth option: 'A lion hunting a zebra.' This is a predator-prey relationship, not symbiosis, because the interaction is not long-term or mutually beneficial; the lion benefits by obtaining food, but the zebra is harmed.