Question

the great burdock plants seeds have spines on them that attach to the fur of animals that brush against it. the seed then travels with the animal until it eventually falls off, which spreads the plants seeds farther than the plant could have done. what type of symbiotic relationship is this?
a. mutualism
b. commensalism
c. parasitism
d. competition
please select the best answer from the choices provided

Explanation:

• Mutualism: Both species benefit. Here, only the plant (Great Burdock) benefits (seed - spreading), and there is no indication that the animal benefits.
• Commensalism: One species benefits, and the other is neither helped nor harmed. The Great Burdock plant benefits (seed dispersal), and the animal is not affected in a positive or negative way (assuming no harm from the spines beyond normal contact).
• Parasitism: One organism (parasite) benefits at the expense of the other (host). There is no indication that the animal is harmed (unlike in a parasite - host relationship where the host is usually negatively affected).
• Competition: Organisms compete for resources (like food, space). This is not a competition scenario as described.

Answer:

B. Commensalism