Question

1. as a seeding, the strangler fig and host tree have a relationship that is described as commensalism. why is commensalism a good description for this relationship? type your answer here.

Explanation:

Commensalism is a type of symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed. In the case of the strangler fig seedling and the host tree, the strangler fig seedling benefits by using the host tree for support (to reach sunlight, which is crucial for photosynthesis). At this stage (as a seedling), the host tree is not yet being negatively affected in a significant way (it's not being strangled or having its resources severely depleted). So, it fits the definition of commensalism where one (the strangler fig seedling) benefits and the other (the host tree) is not affected in a positive or negative sense.

Answer:

Commensalism is a good description because the strangler fig seedling benefits (gets support to access sunlight) and the host tree is not (yet) harmed or helped.