Question

living organisms interact in a variety of ways for a variety of purposes. the imperial shrimp rides on sea cucumbers as they travel underwater. this interaction enables the shrimp to use little to no energy to move between the areas in which it feeds. the sea cucumber is typically unaware that the shrimp is using it for transport. which type of interaction occurs between the imperial shrimp and its host organism?

mutualism
commensalism
parasitism
competition

Explanation:

• Mutualism: Both species benefit. Here, only the shrimp benefits.
• Commensalism: One species benefits, the other is neither helped nor harmed. The shrimp benefits (transport), sea cucumber is unaffected.
• Parasitism: One benefits (parasite), the other is harmed (host). Sea cucumber is not harmed.
• Competition: Organisms compete for resources. No competition shown here.

Answer:

commensalism