Question

red-billed oxpeckers are birds that often feed on parasites that infest impala. this is an example of ______. mutualism competition commensalism neutralism

Explanation:

1. Analyze each option:

• Mutualism: A symbiotic relationship where both species benefit. The oxpecker gets food (parasites), and the impala gets rid of parasites (beneficial for its health).
• Competition: Occurs when species compete for the same resource; this is not the case here as they are not competing.
• Commensalism: One species benefits, the other is unaffected. But the impala benefits from parasite removal, so not commensalism.
• Neutralism: Both species are unaffected, which is not true here as the oxpecker gets food and impala gets parasite removal.

1. Conclusion: The relationship between red - billed oxpeckers and impala (oxpeckers get food, impala gets parasite removal) fits mutualism.

Answer:

A. mutualism