Question 1

Which of the following best illustrates behavioral mutualism?

Accepted Answer

Behavioral mutualism involves two species that interact in a way that benefits both parties. In the case of cleaner wrasse and predatory fish, the cleaner wrasse gets food by removing parasites from the predatory fish, while the predatory fish benefits by having the parasites removed. This is an example of behavioral mutualism because both species are engaging in a behavior that benefits the other. The other choices do not involve behavior that benefits both parties in the same way.

Question 2

Some algae and fungi live in associations known as lichens, which allow both to survive in a harsher environment than either could normally live in alone. This association is an example of

Accepted Answer

The association between algae and fungi in lichens is an example of mutualism, where both organisms benefit from each other's presence. The algae provide the fungi with nutrients through photosynthesis, while the fungi provide the algae with a protective environment and access to minerals and water.

Question 3

Human cells contain mitochondria, which are responsible for processing the energy needed by our cells. Remember that the ancestors of mitochondria may once have been free-living prokaryotes. If mitochondria were still considered to be separate organisms within our cells, which of the following would best describe our relationship with them?

Accepted Answer

If mitochondria were still considered to be separate organisms within our cells, our relationship with them would be mutualistic because they provide the energy needed for our cells to function and we provide them with a stable environment to live and reproduce.

Question 4

If an animal is an herbivore, does that mean it cannot have interactions with organisms other than the plants it eats?

Accepted Answer

Herbivores can have various interactions with other organisms, such as mutualistic relationships with bacteria and being prey for predators.

Question 5

Female ducks frequently deposit fertile eggs in the nests of unattended neighboring ducks. These eggs hatch and are then reared by the foster parent. What term best describes this behavior?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Female ducks frequently deposit fertile eggs in...

Question 6

In seed dispersal mutualism, plants produce _______ to entice consumers to disperse the plant's seeds.

Accepted Answer

The fleshy fruits produced by plants are often brightly colored and have a sweet or desirable taste to entice animals to eat them. As the animal eats the fruit, it also ingests the seeds which are then dispersed through their digestive system in a new location. This allows the plant to increase its chances of survival and reproduction. Attractive aromas, edible pollen, and nectar may also attract consumers but are not necessarily associated with seed dispersal mutualism.

Question 7

Which of the following combinations of symbols represents an interaction where one species benefits and the other is exploited?

Accepted Answer

The combination +/− represents an interaction where one species benefits (+) and the other is exploited (−). This is also known as predation or parasitism, where one organism (the predator or parasite) obtains nutrients or resources at the expense of the other (the prey or host).

Question 8

Do humans exhibit any mutualistic relationships?

Accepted Answer

Humans exhibit mutualistic relationships with beneficial bacteria within our digestive systems. The bacteria help us break down and absorb nutrients from our food while they get a stable environment and nutrients to grow and reproduce. This relationship is beneficial for both the host (humans) and the bacteria.

Question 9

Every healthy human digestive system is home to countless microorganisms. In a normal digestive system, what type of relationship would you say this is?

Accepted Answer

The relationship between the microorganisms and the human digestive system is mutualistic, meaning both the microorganisms and the human host benefit from the interaction. The microorganisms help in digestion and absorption of nutrients while the host provides a suitable environment and nutrients for the microorganisms to thrive.

Question 10

In the pollinator mutualism between the yucca plant and the yucca moth, the yucca plant is able to abort the seeds in any given flower if the moth lays too many eggs in that flower. What is the advantage the yucca plant gains by aborting these seeds?

Accepted Answer

Seeds are energetically expensive to produce, so the yucca plant saves energy by aborting seeds that the yucca moth larvae are going to eat. This saves the plant energy that can be used to produce more viable seeds in other flowers.

Question 11

The relationship between house pets and people would be best described as

Accepted Answer

The relationship between house pets and people is mutualistic, as the pets provide companionship and emotional benefits to their owners, while the owners provide food, shelter, and medical care to the pets. The relationship is not parasitic, as both parties benefit, nor is it predatorial or competitive.

Question 12

The corals in tropical reefs have a mutualistic relationship with

Accepted Answer

The corals have a mutualistic relationship with algae called zooxanthellae. The algae provides the coral with oxygen and food through photosynthesis, while the coral provides the algae with a protected and nutrient-rich environment.

Question 13

Relationships between different species often involve energy or lifestyle compromises. What best describes the compromises, if any, seen in mutualism?

Accepted Answer

Mutualism involves a mutually beneficial relationship between two different species. While there may be slight compromises in terms of energy or resources, both organisms ultimately benefit from the relationship, making it a win-win situation.

Question 14

Antibiotic therapy sometimes reduces the population of gut-inhabiting microorganisms. Bloating and diarrhea often follow until the populations reestablish themselves. This observation suggests that these microorganisms participate in a ____ relationship with humans.

Accepted Answer

The fact that the reduction in gut microorganisms leads to negative side effects like bloating and diarrhea suggests that these microorganisms have a mutualistic relationship with humans, where both parties benefit from the association. Antibiotic therapy can reduce the population of both beneficial and harmful microorganisms, causing negative side effects until the population reestablishes itself. A competitive relationship would suggest that the microorganisms are competing with humans for resources, which is not the case. An exploitative relationship would suggest that the microorganisms benefit from the association while humans do not, which is also not the case. A pathogenic relationship would suggest that the microorganisms cause harm to humans, which is not necessarily true in this scenario.

Question 15

In what way(s) has mutualism influenced the distribution and abundance of organisms?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In what way(s) has mutualism influenced the...

Question 16

Which of the following symbols represents a mutualistic relationship?

Accepted Answer

The symbol " +/+" represents a mutualistic relationship, where both organisms involved benefit from the interaction. The other symbols represent a predator-prey relationship (+/-), competition (-/-), and commensalism (o/+).

Question 17

Which of the following animals would be most likely to simultaneously participate in seed dispersal and a gut inhabitant mutualism?

Accepted Answer

Deer are known to consume fruits and seeds, and therefore they can participate in seed dispersal. At the same time, deer are also known to harbor gut microorganisms that aid in digestion, which is an example of a gut inhabitant mutualism. Wolves, rattlesnakes, and scorpions do not participate in seed dispersal or gut inhabitant mutualism in the same way as deer.

Question 18

Clown fish have evolved to live safely between the stinging tentacles of certain sea anemones. The fish receives protection from predators, while the anemone receives some food from the fish. This relationship is an example of

Accepted Answer

Behavioral mutualism is the most appropriate choice because clown fish and sea anemones have a mutually beneficial relationship where the clown fish lives and feeds among the stinging tentacles of the anemone without getting stung due to its protective mucus layer. The clown fish, in turn, chases away polyp-eating fish and preys on small invertebrates, while also bringing food in the form of leftovers to the anemone. Therefore, the interaction between the clown fish and sea anemone is based on behavioral adaptations that mutually benefit both species.

Question 19

What statement best describes a parasitic relationship?

Accepted Answer

In a parasitic relationship, only the parasite benefits while the host is harmed. This is because the parasite relies on the host for resources such as food or shelter, while the host suffers from the negative effects of the parasite's presence.

Question 20

An animal eats fruit from a plant and later deposits seed in its feces far from the plant. This is an example of a

Accepted Answer

The answer of An animal eats fruit from a plant...

Quiz 35: Interactions among Organisms