Question

Oxpeckers are a bird that will land on zebras and rhinos to eat the ticks and other parasites the large mammals may have. Which type of symbiotic relationship is this?

Options:
a. Mutualistic
b. Commensalism
c. Parasitism

Answer 1

The oxpeckers and zebras/rhinos have a mutualistic relationship, where both creatures benefit from the interaction, distinguishing it from commensalism and parasitism.

Step-by-step explanation:

The oxpeckers landing on zebras and rhinos to eat ticks and other parasites is an example of a mutualistic relationship. In this type of symbiotic interaction, both species experience benefits. The oxpeckers get a rich source of food by consuming the ticks and parasites, while the large mammals receive a valuable grooming service that helps to keep them free from these pests. This contrasts with commensalism, where one species benefits and the other is unaffected, and parasitism, where one species benefits at the expense of the other.