Question

The Monarch butterfly feeds on milk-weed to obtain nectar. While visiting the flower, the butterfly may incidentally pick up pollen on its leg and carry the pollen to other milk-weed plants, aiding in cross-pollination. This relationship is best described as:________.

Answer 1

The relationship between the Monarch butterfly and milkweed plants is mutualism, where both species benefit from the interaction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The relationship described in the question is mutualism. Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship in which both species involved benefit from the interaction.

In the case of the Monarch butterfly and milkweed plants, the butterfly obtains nectar from the flower while incidentally picking up pollen on its leg. When the butterfly visits other milkweed plants, it transfers the pollen, aiding in cross-pollination. This benefits the butterfly by providing food and benefits the milkweed plants by facilitating reproduction through pollination.

Other examples of mutualistic relationships include bees pollinating plants and obtaining nectar in return, and bats pollinating flowers while feeding on nectar.

Answer 2

mutualism

Step-by-step explanation:

Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship which involves the interaction of two different species of organisms interacting together to benefit from each other. In mutualistic relationship, both organisms involved depend on each other for nutrition, protection, reproduction or survival.

Mutualistic relationship can be seen between plant pollinators and flowering plants. The Monarch butterfly as a plant pollinator, depends on the milk-weed plant for nectar, while it helps the milk-weed plant in cross-pollination. Both organisms benefit from mutualism.