Question

the table shows the flowering success of a plant species with and without bees present.
effect of bees on flowering success of a plant species

which relationship does this data represent, and what role do bees play in it? (sc 912.n.1.1)
competition: bees reduce flowering success.
parasitism: bees benefit at the plants expense.
mutualism: bees increase flowering success.
commensalism: the plant is unaffected.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze each option

• Competition: In competition, both species are negatively affected. But here bees presence increases flowering success. So this is incorrect.
• Parasitism: In parasitism, one benefits at the expense of the other. But bees presence increases plant's flowering success (85% vs 30%), so not at plant's expense. Incorrect.
• Mutualism: In mutualism, both species benefit. Bees get nectar (assuming) and plant gets increased flowering success (from 30% to 85%). This is correct.
• Commensalism: In commensalism, one is affected and the other is not. But plant is affected (flowering success changes). Incorrect.

Answer:

Mutualism; bees increase flowering success.