Question

A specialized bacterium living in a human gut absorbs nutrients from the human. In return, the bacterium produces a chemical that prevents pathogens from adhering to the gut wall. This relationship is best described as

Choose one:
A. mutualism.
B. parasitism.
C. commensalism.
D. amensalism.

Answer 1

The relationship between the specialized bacterium and the human gut is mutualism, where both species benefit from their interaction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The relationship between a specialized bacterium living in the human gut that absorbs nutrients and produces a chemical that prevents pathogens from adhering to the gut wall is best described as mutualism. In mutualism, two species benefit from their interaction, and in this case, both the human and the bacterium benefit. The bacterium obtains nutrients from the human and, in return, protects the gut from harmful pathogens.