Question 4

(Multiple Choice)

Three examples of associations in nature include: 1) Sea anemones riding on the backs of hermit crabs where the two species protect each other from their different enemies; 2) Lactobacillus bacteria living inside the human gut, having a beneficial effect on human health; and 3) Leaf-cutting ants farming and feeding on specific fungi, which receive free food and protection. How can these three associations best be classified?


A) All three are symbioses.
B) All three are commensalisms.
C) Associations 1 and 3 are commensalisms; association 2 is a symbiosis.
D) Associations 1 and 3 are symbioses; association 2 is a commensalism.

Answer