Question

Termites are unable to digest some plant materials (fiber). Termite stomachs contain bacteria that digest the fiber in wood. Which type of relationship does this describe? a.commensalism b.mutualism c.parasitism d.competition

Answer 1

The relationship between termites and the bacteria in their guts that helps digest plant materials is an example of mutualism, a symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit. Option B is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

Termites have a symbiotic relationship with bacteria in their guts that digest fiber in wood, which is an example of mutualism. In this relationship, both termites and the bacteria benefit: termites are able to digest the cellulose in wood, thanks to the bacteria, and in return, the bacteria have a protective environment and a constant supply of nutrients.

This mutualistic interaction is crucial for the termite's ability to obtain energy from wood, and without it, termites would not be able to survive.

The relationship described, where termites have bacteria in their stomachs that help them digest the fiber in wood, is an example of mutualism. In mutualism, both species benefit from their interaction. In this case, the termites benefit from the ability of the bacteria to digest cellulose in the wood, while the bacteria benefit from a protected environment and a constant source of nutrients provided by the termites.