Question

Protozoans can live in the stomach of animals and aid in digestion and, in return, the animal is providing the protozoans with an environment to live. This is an example of:

Answer 1

The interaction between the protozoans and their animal hosts that aids in digestion is an example of mutualism, a symbiotic relationship where both species benefit.

Step-by-step explanation:

The relationship between the protozoans in an animal's stomach that aid in digestion and the animal itself is an example of mutualism. This type of symbiotic relationship involves two species that benefit from each other's existence. For instance, certain protozoans help termites digest cellulose that the termites cannot break down on their own. The protozoa receive protection and a constant food supply in return. Likewise, the protozoa house symbiotic bacteria that produce the necessary enzyme, cellulase, creating a complex and mutually beneficial interaction for all parties involved.