Dwarf mistletoes are flowering plants that grow on certain forest trees. They obtain nutrients and water from the vascular tissues of the trees. The trees derive no known benefits from the dwarf mistletoes, yet they are sometimes negatively affected by this interaction. Which of the following best describes the interactions between dwarf mistletoes and trees?
A) mutualism
B) commensalism
C) competition
D) facilitation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dwarf mistletoes are considered parasites because they extract nutrients and water from their host trees without providing any benefits in return, often harming the trees. This is not an example of mutualism, commensalism, or facilitation, but rather a competitive interaction where one organism benefits at the expense of another.

Dwarf Mistletoes Are Flowering Plants That Grow on Certain Forest