Birds follow a herd of water buffalo to catch insects that are disturbed as the large herbivores walk through the grass. When large predators are near, the birds fly into the air and make warning calls. What is the ecological relationship between the birds and the herbivores called?
A) Competition
B) Parasitism
C) Resource partitioning
D) Mutualism
E) Predation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is an example of mutualism because both species benefit from the relationship: the birds get food (insects) and the water buffalo get a warning system for predators.

Birds Follow a Herd of Water Buffalo to Catch Insects