The bacterium,E.coli,lives in the large intestines of mammals and feeds on undigested food material.E.coli helps to synthesize vitamin K that is essential for mammalian blood clotting.The relationship between E.coli and mammals is a
A) commensalism.
B) mutualism.
C) competition.
D) predation.
E) parasitism.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The relationship between E.coli and mammals is mutualistic because E.coli lives in the large intestines of mammals and feeds on undigested food material, and in return, it helps to synthesize vitamin K, which is essential for mammalian blood clotting. Therefore, both E.coli and mammals benefit from this relationship.

The Bacterium,E