Which of the following relationships is an example of mutualism?

• A. Barnacles attaching to the shell of a turtle
• B. A tapeworm living in the intestine of a mammal
• C. A remora fish riding on a shark for transportation
• D. Bees pollinating flowers while collecting nectar

Answer: (D)

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 other relationships like parasitism (where one organism benefits and the other is harmed) or commensalism (where one benefits and the other is unaffected).
2. Analyze the first option: Barnacles attaching to the shell of a turtle. In this case, the barnacles benefit by gaining a place to live and access to food as the turtle moves, but the turtle does not gain any benefit. This is an example of commensalism, not mutualism.
3. Analyze the second option: A tapeworm living in the intestine of a mammal. Here, the tapeworm benefits by absorbing nutrients from the mammal, but the mammal is harmed as it loses nutrients. This is an example of parasitism, not mutualism.
4. Analyze the third option: A remora fish riding on a shark for transportation. The remora benefits by saving energy and gaining access to food scraps, but the shark is neither helped nor harmed. This is another example of commensalism, not mutualism.
5. Analyze the fourth option: Bees pollinating flowers while collecting nectar. In this case, the bees benefit by collecting nectar as a food source, and the flowers benefit because the bees help with pollination, which is essential for reproduction. This is a clear example of mutualism, as both organisms benefit from the interaction.