A hummingbird sips nectar from the flowers of a plant species and, in the process, pollinates those flowers. This interaction is best classified as
A) parasitism, because the hummingbird consumes the flower's nectar.
B) predation, because the hummingbird eats the plant's seeds.
C) commensalism, because the hummingbird benefits from consuming nectar and the plant is unaffected.
D) mutualistic, because the plant provides nectar for the hummingbird and the hummingbird transports pollen for the plant.
E) Not enough information is provided to classify this interaction.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The interaction between the hummingbird and the plant species in which the bird gets nectar and pollinates the flower is mutualistic. The hummingbird benefits from consuming nectar, and the plant benefits from the bird's pollen transportation.

A Hummingbird Sips Nectar from the Flowers of a Plant