Question

ecological relationships occur between two species that live close to each other. two examples of ecological relationships are described.

example 1: bees gather nectar and pollen from flowering plants, providing food for the bees. as the bees move to different flowers, some of the pollen attached to the bees bodies is spread and released. if the pollen falls on the flower of a plant of the same species, it may fertilize the plant and produce seeds.

example 2: orchids are flowering plants that grow on other plants. they typically grow in tall trees high in the canopy, where they can reach sunlight for photosynthesis. they get water and nutrients from rainwater runoff that carries organic material down the host plants branches. no water or nutrients are taken from the host plant.

what is the main difference between the ecological relationships described in the two examples? include the scientific term used to define each of the relationships.

Explanation:

In Example 1, bees and flowering plants have a mutual - ism relationship. Bees get food (nectar and pollen), and plants get pollinated to reproduce. In Example 2, orchids and their host plants have a commensalism relationship. Orchids benefit by getting access to sunlight, water, and nutrients without harming or benefiting the host plant. The main difference is that in mutualism both species benefit, while in commensalism only one species benefits and the other is unaffected.

Answer:

The ecological relationship in Example 1 is mutualism (both bees and plants benefit), and in Example 2 is commensalism (orchids benefit, host plants are unaffected). The main difference is the nature of the benefit to the species involved: mutual benefit in mutualism and one - sided benefit in commensalism.