Question

match the term to the microbial association that most accurately describes it.
1 antagonism
2 parasitism
3 mutualism
4 synergism
5 commensalism
match each of the options above to the items below:
two organisms living together in which both partners benefit from the relationship
two organisms living together in which one organism is benefited and the other is neither benefited nor harmed
two organisms living together in which one organism is benefited and the other (the host) is harmed
a relationship in which free - living organisms cooperate and share nutrients
a competitive relationship between free - living organisms in which one organism secretes substances that are toxic to the other in order to acquire more space or nutrients for itself

Explanation:

1. For "Two organisms living together in which both partners benefit from the relationship" - Mutualism (3) is defined as a symbiotic relationship where both organisms gain benefits.
2. For "Two organisms living together in which one organism is benefited and the other is neither benefited nor harmed" - Commensalism (5) fits this as one benefits, the other is unaffected.
3. For "Two organisms living together in which one organism is benefited and the other (the host) is harmed" - Parasitism (2) is when a parasite benefits at the host's expense.
4. For "A relationship in which free - living organisms cooperate and share nutrients" - Synergism (4) involves organisms working together and sharing resources.
5. For "A competitive relationship between free - living organisms in which one organism secretes substances that are toxic to the other in order to acquire more space or nutrients for itself" - Antagonism (1) is a competitive relationship with one organism harming the other for resources.

Answer:

1. Two organisms living together in which both partners benefit from the relationship: 3. Mutualism
2. Two organisms living together in which one organism is benefited and the other is neither benefited nor harmed: 5. Commensalism
3. Two organisms living together in which one organism is benefited and the other (the host) is harmed: 2. Parasitism
4. A relationship in which free - living organisms cooperate and share nutrients: 4. Synergism
5. A competitive relationship between free - living organisms in which one organism secretes substances that are toxic to the other in order to acquire more space or nutrients for itself: 1. Antagonism