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Which organisms were in a mutually beneficial relationship? Select all that apply.a) Coyote and pocket mouseb) Bigeye trevally and bottlenose dolphinc) Leaf-cutter ant and fungusd) Yucca plant and yucca mothe) Giant armadillo and leaf-cutter ant

Which organisms were in a mutually beneficial relationship? Select all that apply-example-1
User Aneesa
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In ecology there are several types of interactions, that can be described in terms of how they affect each part, this being positively, negatively, or neutrally.

When the interaction has a positive outcome for both organisms involved, then we can talk about mutualism.

Let's take a look at each of the interactions given:

a) Coyote and pocket mouse: In this case, the coyote is the predator and the pocket mouse is the prey, so no mutual benefit here.

b) Bigeye trevally and bottlenose dolphin: Here, both organisms compete for the same resources, there is mutual harm.

c) Leaf-cutter ant and fungus: The ants cultivate and protect the fungus and also feed on it, so there is mutual benefit for both species.

d) Yucca plant and yucca moth: The moth pollinates the yucca plant and also feeds on the yucca plant, so this is also a case of mutual benefit.

e) Giant armadillo and leaf-cutter ant. Here we have another case of predator and prey, so there is no mutual benefit.

So, the cases with mutual benefit are the Leaf-cutter ant and fungus, and the yucca plant and yucca moth.

User Andrew Cash
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