Question

A remora attaches itself to a shark with an adapted fin. The remora eats food that the shark finds but would leave uneaten. The remora and shark show what type of relationship?

a) Commensalism
b) Competition
c) Mutualism
d) Parasitism

Answer 1

The relationship between a remora and a shark is an example of commensalism, where the remora benefits and the shark is neither helped nor harmed. Commensalism exists when one species benefits while the other remains unaffected.

Step-by-step explanation:

The relationship between a remora and a shark is an example of commensalism. In this type of symbiotic relationship, one species, the remora, benefits by eating the food that the shark leaves uneaten. The shark, on the other hand, is neither harmed nor benefited by the presence of the remora, which attaches itself to the shark with an adapted fin.

Commensalism can also be seen in other contexts, such as mites that hitch rides on larger insects for transportation, or cattle egrets that feed on insects and parasites found around livestock. These examples illustrate that in a commensal relationship, one species gains an advantage like food, transportation, or shelter, while the other species does not receive any benefit or harm from the interaction.

In conclusion, the correct option for the type of relationship between a remora and a shark is (a) Commensalism.