Question

in the african savanna, oxpecker birds are often observed perching on the backs of large herbivores, such as zebras and buffaloes. the birds feed on ticks and other parasites found on the herbivores skin. the presence of oxpeckers benefits the herbivores by helping to rid them of parasites. what type of ecological relationship is exhibited between the oxpecker birds and the herbivores?
a predation
b mutualism
c competition
d parasitism

Explanation:

• Predation: One organism kills and eats another. Here, oxpecker birds don't kill the herbivores.
• Mutualism: Both species benefit. Oxpecker birds get food (ticks), herbivores get rid of parasites.
• Competition: Organisms compete for resources. No competition shown here.
• Parasitism: One benefits at the expense of the other. But herbivores benefit from oxpeckers.

Answer:

B. Mutualism