Question

The Great Burdock plant’s seeds have spines on them that attach to the fur of animals that brush against it. The seed then travels with the animal until it eventually falls off, which spreads the plant’s seeds farther than the plant could have done. What type of symbiotic relationship is this?
a.
Mutualism
b.
Commensalism
c.
Parasitism
d.
Competition

Answer 1

The answer is B. Commensalism.

Commensalism is a relationship between two organisms in which only one of them has benefit, and the other one is not affected. In this example, the Great Burdock's plants spread their seeds using animals, so they benefit from this relationship. On the other hand, animals neither have benefits not are harmed from the relationship.

Answer 2

Answer: b. Commensalism

Explanation:

Symbiotic relationship can be define as the association of two organisms belonging to different species. The two organisms either receive benefit, harm or not affected at all.

Commensalism is a type of symbiotic relationship in which the two organisms live in association. In this interaction one recieves the benefit and other one is not influeneced.

According to given example, great burdock plant is receiving benefit as it's seeds are dispersed which will cause an increase in the population of burdock. But animal which is facilitating the dispersal is unaffected.

Hence, this interaction is an example of commensalism.