Which of the following situations is/are likely to cause a mutualistic relationship to change to a parasitic or predatory relationship?
I. A damselfish has no parasites for a cleaner fish to eat.
II. Acacia plants provide nectar to ants living in their thorns.
III. A plant and its mycorrhizal fungi are living in nutrient-rich soil.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In mutualistic relationships, both organisms benefit from the interaction. However, if one organism no longer benefits or the relationship becomes one-sided, it can lead to a shift towards parasitism or predation. In the case of the damselfish and cleaner fish, if there are no parasites for the cleaner fish to eat, it may start feeding on the mucus or even the scales of the damselfish, leading to a parasitic relationship. The other scenarios, such as the acacia plant and ant interaction providing nectar to the ants or a plant and its mycorrhizal fungi living in nutrient-rich soil, are mutually beneficial and are unlikely to shift towards parasitism or predation.

Which of the Following Situations Is/are Likely to Cause a Mutualistic