Question

ticks carry bacteria that cause lyme disease. ticks do not get lyme disease, but they may transfer bacteria to humans. which of the following statements best describes the relationships among the bacteria, ticks, and humans? a the relationship between bacteria and ticks is competition, and the relationship between ticks and humans is predatory. b the relationship between bacteria and ticks is competition, and the relationship between ticks and humans is parasitism. c the relationship between bacteria and ticks is commensalism, and the relationship between ticks and humans is parasitism. d the relationship between bacteria and ticks is commensalism, and the relationship between ticks and humans is predatory.

Explanation:

Commensalism is a relationship where one organism benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed. Bacteria live on ticks without harming them, which is commensalism. Parasitism is a relationship where one organism (parasite) benefits at the expense of another (host). Ticks feed on human blood, harming humans, which is parasitism.

Answer:

C. the relationship between bacteria and ticks is commensalism, and the relationship between ticks and humans is parasitism.