Question

aphids are small sap sucking insects that secrete a sugary liquid called honeydew. ants benefit from this sweet substance and feed on the honeydew produced by aphids. in return, ants provide protection for the aphids, guarding them against predators and parasites. plasmodium is a single - cell organism that causes malaria in humans. this disease causes fever, headaches, and chills. malaria can be fatal in humans (causing death). small marine animals called barnacles sometimes attach themselves to whales. the barnacles benefit from the movement of water full of food particles past their swimming hosts. but barnacles do not harm whales. description of relationship type of symbiosis what type of symbiosis? complete the chart by stating the symbiotic relationship being described.

Explanation:

• Aphids and Ants: This is mutualism. Aphids provide honeydew (a sugary liquid) as food for ants, and in return, ants offer protection (like guarding against predators) for aphids. Both species benefit from the relationship.
• Barnacles and Whales: This is commensalism. Barnacles benefit from the movement of whales (it helps them get water full of food particles past their swimming hosts), while whales are not harmed. One species (barnacles) benefits, and the other (whales) is neither helped nor harmed.
• Plasmodium and Humans: This is parasitism. Plasmodium (a parasite) causes harm to humans (disease like malaria which can be fatal). One organism (Plasmodium) benefits at the expense of the other (humans).

Answer:

• Aphids and Ants: Mutualism
• Barnacles and Whales: Commensalism
• Plasmodium and Humans: Parasitism