Question

the remora remora, or suckerfish, often attaches to larger organisms such as sharks and whales through the use of a specialized sucker. this interaction enables the remora to feed on the scraps of food that remain from the larger organism’s meal. typically, the larger organism is unaware of, and unaffected by, the remora. which type of interaction occurs between the remora and its host organism?
mutualism
commensalism
parasitism
competition

Explanation:

To determine the interaction type, we analyze each option:

• Mutualism: Both species benefit. Here, the larger organism is unaffected, so not mutualism.
• Commensalism: One species benefits, the other is unaffected. The remora benefits (gets food scraps) and the larger organism is unaffected, which matches commensalism.
• Parasitism: One species benefits at the expense of the other (host is harmed). The larger organism is unaffected, so not parasitism.
• Competition: Species compete for resources. This scenario is about one benefiting without harming/competing, so not competition.

Answer:

B. commensalism