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
○ a
○ b
○ c
○ d

Explanation:

• Mutualism: Both species benefit. Here, only the plant (via seed - spreading) benefits, not the animal.
• Commensalism: One species benefits, and the other is neither helped nor harmed. The plant benefits (seed - dispersal), and the animal is not affected in a positive or negative way.
• Parasitism: One species benefits at the expense of the other. The animal is not harmed here.
• Competition: Interaction between species for resources. This is a symbiotic (close living) relationship, not competition.

Answer:

B. Commensalism