Antibiotic therapy sometimes reduces the population of gut-inhabiting microorganisms. Bloating and diarrhea often follow until the populations reestablish themselves. This observation suggests that these microorganisms participate in a ____ relationship with humans.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that the reduction in gut microorganisms leads to negative side effects like bloating and diarrhea suggests that these microorganisms have a mutualistic relationship with humans, where both parties benefit from the association. Antibiotic therapy can reduce the population of both beneficial and harmful microorganisms, causing negative side effects until the population reestablishes itself. A competitive relationship would suggest that the microorganisms are competing with humans for resources, which is not the case. An exploitative relationship would suggest that the microorganisms benefit from the association while humans do not, which is also not the case. A pathogenic relationship would suggest that the microorganisms cause harm to humans, which is not necessarily true in this scenario.

Antibiotic Therapy Sometimes Reduces the Population of Gut-Inhabiting Microorganisms