Question

The great burdock plant’s seeds have spines on them that attach to the fur of animals that brush against it. the seed then travels with the animal until it eventually falls off, which spreads the plant’s seeds farther than the plant could have done. what type of symbiotic relationship is this?a.mutualism b.commensalism c.parasitism d.competition

Answer 1

The great burdock plant's method of seed dispersal, in which the seeds hitch a ride on passing animals, is an example of commensalism, where one organism (the plant) benefits, while the other (the animal) is unaffected.

Step-by-step explanation:

The great burdock plant's symbiotic relationship with animals through its seed dispersal method is an example of commensalism. In commensalism, one species benefits while the other is neither harmed nor benefited. In this case, the great burdock plant’s seeds are able to disperse to greater distances, aiding the plant's reproduction and survival, while the transporting animals are not meaningfully affected. This interaction could also be seen as a form of mutualism if the animal is gaining some form of benefit, perhaps from the burrs removing parasites from their coat. However, this isn't explicitly stated so the most accurate classification would be commensalism.

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