221k views
5 votes
In the Yucca-Mutualism, the moth, Tegeticula, is the sole pollinator of the yucca, and the yucca is the sole food source of the moth. Because of the tight and obligate relationship between these two species, we would refer to this mutualism as a_______________.

a) Facultative mutualism
b) Commensalism
c) Obligate mutualism
d) Parasitism
e) Amensalism

User DaveBurns
by
8.3k points

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

The Yucca-Mutualism between the moth Tegeticula and the yucca plant is referred to as obligate mutualism, where both species rely on each other for survival, distinguishing it from other types of symbiotic relationships.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the Yucca-Mutualism, the moth Tegeticula is the sole pollinator of the yucca plant, and the yucca plant provides not only food but also a habitat for the moth's larvae. Given this tight and obligate relationship, where each species depends on the other for survival, we would refer to this mutualism as obligate mutualism.

This form of symbiotic relationship is characterized by the necessity of each species to engage in the interaction for survival, contrasting with facultative mutualism, where the interaction is beneficial but not necessary for survival.

Examples of mutualism in nature often involve pollinators, such as bees, who collect pollen from flowers for food and in return help in the pollination process. This mutual benefit is a key feature of a mutualistic relationship. However, the specific interaction between the yucca plant and the Tegeticula moth is specialized to a degree that neither can complete their life cycle without the other, making it an obligate mutualism.

User Epistemologist
by
8.2k points