Which of the following is an example of a mutualism?

• A. A tapeworm living in the intestine of a mammal
• B. Bees pollinating flowers while collecting nectar
• C. A bird nesting in a tree without affecting the tree
• D. Barnacles attaching to a whale for transportation

Answer: (B)

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: '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 an example of mutualism.
4. Analyze the third option: 'A bird nesting in a tree without affecting the tree.' This is an example of commensalism because the bird benefits by gaining shelter, while the tree is neither harmed nor benefited.
5. Analyze the fourth option: 'Barnacles attaching to a whale for transportation.' This is another example of commensalism because the barnacles benefit by being transported to nutrient-rich waters, while the whale is unaffected. Therefore, the correct example of mutualism is the interaction between bees and flowers.