Cow birds often land on the backs of cows and pick off ticks and other creatures that feed on the cow. Thus, the birds benefit the cow by removing harmful or irritating bugs, and the cow benefits the bird by providing a food source location. In this situation, the relationship between the ticks and the cow is ________, and that between the cow and the bird is ________.
A) symbiotic; parasitic
B) parasitic; symbiotic
C) symbiotic; mutualistic
D) mutualistic; symbiotic

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The relationship between the ticks and the cow is parasitic because the ticks harm the cow by feeding on it. The relationship between the cow and the bird is symbiotic, specifically mutualistic, because both parties benefit from the interaction.

Cow Birds Often Land on the Backs of Cows and Pick