Question

suppose a disease that only affects the wrasse began to spread through the area. as a result, the population of wrasse decreases. what is most likely to happen to the population size of the titan triggerfish?
a. it will decrease because the species have a predator - prey relationship.
b. it will increase because the species have a mutualistic relationship.
c. it will remain stable because the species have a commensal relationship.
d. it will decrease because the species have a parasitic relationship.

Explanation:

Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship where both species benefit. If the wrasse population (which likely has a mutualistic relationship with the titan triggerfish, perhaps by cleaning it or providing some other benefit) decreases, the titan triggerfish, which was benefiting from this relationship, would be negatively affected. In a mutualistic relationship, the decline of one partner (wrasse) would lead to the decline of the other (titan triggerfish) as they rely on each other for certain advantages (like protection, food - related benefits etc.).

Answer:

B. It will increase because the species have a mutualistic relationship.