Question

Cellulose-digesting microorganisms live in the guts of termites and ruminant mammals. The microorganisms have a home and food, and their hosts gain more nutrition from their meals. This relationship is an example of _____.

predation
commensalism
mutualism
parasitism
herbivory

Answer 1

The correct answer is: mutualism

Step-by-step explanation:

Mutualism refers to a relationship between two organisms, where both organisms benefit from the association. In this instance, the relationship between cellulose-digesting microorganisms and their hosts- termites and ruminant mammals- is characterized by mutualism because both organism benefit from their association. The microorganisms benefit by getting their nutrition from the cellulose in guts of their hosts. Whereas, the hosts benefit from the cellulose-digesting microorganisms by getting help in digesting the cellulose they consume in their diet.