Question

Which statement about mutualisms is true?

1) Both partners must benefit equally from the relationship.
2) Partners join mutualisms for altruistic reasons.
3) Conflicts of interest seldom exist in mutualisms.
4) Mutualisms often impose costs on the partners.

Answer 1

The true statement about mutualism is that it often involves costs for both partners. Both species benefit, but not necessarily equally, and conflicts of interest can occur within the relationship. Thus, the option 4 is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement about mutualism that is true is that mutualism often imposes costs on the partners. While mutualisms involves both species benefiting from the relationship, it is not necessary that both partners benefit equally. In addition, partners in a mutualistic relationship do not join for altruistic reasons, but because each derives a benefit, even though there may be costs involved. Conflicts of interest can also exist in mutualisms, as each organism will naturally seek to maximize its own benefits, sometimes at the expense of the other.

For example, in the mutualistic relationship between the clownfish and the sea anemone, both organisms benefit; the clownfish gets protection from predators by living among the anemone's stinging tentacles, and the anemone gets better water circulation and cleaning from the movement of the clownfish. However, this does not mean the benefits are always equal or without cost to both parties.