Which interaction best illustrates the concept of mutualism?

• A. A tapeworm living in the intestine of a mammal
• B. Barnacles attaching to whales for transportation
• C. Bees pollinating flowers while collecting nectar
• D. A hawk preying on small rodents

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of mutualism: Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship where both organisms involved benefit from the interaction. This is different from parasitism (where one benefits and the other is harmed) or commensalism (where one benefits and the other is unaffected).
2. Analyze the first option: A tapeworm living in the intestine of a mammal. This is an example of parasitism because the tapeworm benefits by absorbing nutrients, while the mammal is harmed by losing nutrients.
3. Analyze the second option: Barnacles attaching to whales for transportation. This is an example of commensalism because the barnacles benefit by gaining mobility and access to food, while the whale is neither harmed nor benefited.
4. Analyze the third option: Bees pollinating flowers while collecting nectar. This is an example of mutualism because the bees benefit by collecting nectar for food, and the flowers benefit by being pollinated, which helps them reproduce.
5. Analyze the fourth option: A hawk preying on small rodents. This is an example of predation, where one organism (the hawk) benefits by feeding on another organism (the rodent), which is harmed. Therefore, the correct answer is the interaction between bees and flowers, as it best illustrates mutualism.