Which one of the following relationships is not an example of symbiosis?

• A. Bacteria in the human gut
• B. A bee pollinating a flower
• C. A clownfish living in an anemone
• D. A lion hunting a zebra

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of symbiosis: Symbiosis is a close and long-term biological interaction between two different biological organisms. It can be mutualistic, commensalistic, or parasitic.
2. Identify examples of symbiosis: Bacteria in the human gut is an example of mutualism, where both organisms benefit. A bee pollinating a flower is also mutualistic, as the bee gets nectar and the flower gets pollinated. A clownfish living in an anemone is another mutualistic relationship, where both species benefit from protection and food.
3. Analyze the relationship between a lion and a zebra: A lion hunting a zebra is a predator-prey relationship, not symbiosis. In this interaction, the lion benefits by getting food, but the zebra is harmed.
4. Differentiate between symbiosis and other ecological interactions: Symbiosis involves a close and often long-term interaction between species, whereas predator-prey relationships are typically short-term and involve one organism benefiting at the expense of another.
5. Conclude which relationship is not symbiotic: Based on the definitions and examples, the relationship between a lion and a zebra is not symbiotic, as it does not involve a long-term interaction where both organisms are in close association.