If a species of plant that is trampled by an animal eventually evolves sharp spines that prevent trampling, we can say that its association with the animal has changed from _______ to _______.
A) amensalism; competition
B) amensalism; commensalism
C) commensalism; competition
D) commensalism; mutualism
E) commensalism; amensalism

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Amensalism is the relationship where one species is harmed while the other is neither benefited nor harmed. Trampling of the plant by the animal is an example of amensalism. However, when the plant evolves sharp spines that prevent trampling, it is competing with the animal for survival. Hence, the association has changed from amensalism to competition.

If a Species of Plant That Is Trampled by an Animal