Question 1

The consumer in a predator/prey interaction can be a selective force in the evolution of the prey species.

Accepted Answer

The consumer, in this case the predator, can select for certain traits or behaviors in the prey species that make them more difficult to catch or consume. Over time, this can lead to the evolution of adaptations in the prey species that improve their survival and reproduction. This is known as predator-mediated selection.

Question 2

During exploitation, consumer organisms never cause their prey to become extinct.

Accepted Answer

Consumer organisms may cause the decline or extinction of their prey if they overexploit them, leading to a decrease in the prey population and potential collapse of the ecosystem.

Question 3

Mutualism is rare in nature.

Accepted Answer

Mutualism is actually quite common in nature, where different species benefit each other to survive and thrive. Examples of mutualism include the relationship between bees and flowers, where bees pollinate flowers in exchange for nectar and pollen, and the relationship between clownfish and sea anemones, where clownfish provide protection and sea anemones provide shelter and food.

Question 4

The terms mutualistic and symbiotic can be used interchangeably; any mutualistic relationship is an example of symbiosis while any symbiotic relationship is also mutualistic.

Accepted Answer

Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship where both parties benefit, but not all symbiotic relationships are mutualistic; some can be parasitic or commensal, where one or neither benefits.

Question 5

A species can participate in several symbiotic relationships simultaneously; for example, the invasive fire tree competes with native vegetation for soil nutrients and maintains a mutualistic relationship with root bacteria.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. A species can participate in multiple symbiotic relationships at the same time. In the case of the invasive fire tree, it competes with native vegetation for soil nutrients but also maintains a mutualistic relationship with root bacteria.

Question 6

The interactions among organisms that reside in the same community or ecosystem are unlikely to have much effect on the physical aspects of those systems.

Accepted Answer

The interactions among organisms can have significant effects on the physical aspects of a community or ecosystem, such as through soil aeration, nutrient cycling, and erosion control.

Question 7

Without pollinator mutualism, agricultural productivity could fall significantly.

Accepted Answer

Pollinator mutualism plays a crucial role in agricultural productivity as it helps in the pollination of crops. Without this mutualism, the productivity of crops could fall significantly as most fruit and vegetable crops depend on pollinators for reproduction.

Question 8

Mutualistic relationships can have an effect on the distribution and abundance of the species involved.

Accepted Answer

Mutualistic relationships can benefit both species involved by increasing their resources or protection. This can lead to higher survival rates, population growth, and expansion into new habitats, which can affect the distribution and abundance of these species. For example, certain plants rely on pollinating animals, such as bees or bats, to reproduce and spread their seeds, while the animals benefit from the nectar or fruit provided by the plants. As such, changes in the availability or behavior of these pollinators can impact the distribution and abundance of these plant species.

Question 9

Interactions among organisms are always mutually beneficial.

Accepted Answer

Interactions among organisms can have positive, negative, or neutral effects. While some interactions can be mutually beneficial, others can be harmful or have no impact on either organism.

Question 10

Pollinators carry seeds in their digestive tracts and later deposit them far from the plant that they fed on.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Pollinators carry seeds in their digestive tracts...

Quiz 35: Interactions among Organisms