Question

understanding symbiotic relationships: parasitism, commensalism, and mutualism
symbiotic relationships are close interactions between two different species that live together. there are three main types of symbiotic relationships: parasitism, commensalism, and mutualism. in parasitism, one organism (the parasite) benefits while the other (the host) is harmed. in commensalism, one organism benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed. in mutualism, both organisms benefit from the relationship. scientists use evidence to classify these relationships and sometimes debate the exact type based on observations and data.
fill in the blank: fill in the blank with the correct words.

1. in ____, one organism benefits and the other is harmed.
2. a ____ relationship is when both species benefit from the interaction.
3. in ____, one organism benefits while the other is not affected.
4. a tick feeding on a dogs blood is an example of ____.
5. a bee pollinating a flower, which in turn provides nectar for the bee, is an example of ____.

word bank: commensalism, mutualism, parasitism, mutualism, parasitism
multiple choice questions: choose the correct answer from the choices for each question.

1. which of the following is an example of commensalism?

a. a. a flea biting a dog
b. b. barnacles attaching to a whale

Explanation:

1. The text defines parasitism as one organism benefiting and the other being harmed.
2. Mutualism is when both species benefit from the interaction.
3. Commensalism is when one organism benefits and the other is not affected.
4. A tick feeding on a dog's blood (harmful to the dog) is parasitism.
5. A bee pollinating a flower (both benefit - bee gets nectar, flower gets pollinated) is mutualism.

For the multiple - choice question:

• Option a (a flea biting a dog) is parasitism (flea benefits, dog is harmed).
• Option b (barnacles attaching to a whale) is commensalism (barnacles get a place to live and move around, whale is not significantly helped or harmed).

Answer:

1. parasitism
2. mutualism
3. commensalism
4. parasitism
5. mutualism

Multiple - Choice: B. Barnacles attaching to a whale