Which pair correctly identifies two symbiotic relationships commonly associated with plant roots?

• A. Mutualism and commensalism
• B. Competition and predation
• C. Neutralism and herbivory
• D. Parasitism and amensalism

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of symbiotic relationships, which are close and long-term biological interactions between two different biological organisms.
2. Step 2: Identify common types of symbiotic relationships: mutualism (both benefit), commensalism (one benefits, the other is unaffected), parasitism (one benefits at the expense of the other), competition (both harmed), predation (one benefits, the other harmed), neutralism (neither affected), herbivory (one benefits by eating plants), and amensalism (one harmed, the other unaffected).
3. Step 3: Consider plant roots and their common symbiotic partners, such as mycorrhizal fungi (mutualism) and certain bacteria or fungi that benefit without harming or benefiting the plant (commensalism).
4. Step 4: Evaluate each pair in the options to see which two types are commonly associated with plant roots: mutualism and commensalism are both frequently observed in root interactions.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the pair 'Mutualism and commensalism' correctly identifies two symbiotic relationships commonly associated with plant roots.