Question

epiphytes are plants that grow on the bark of trees. the epiphytes get nutrients from the air and get extra... which term correctly describes the ecological relationship? ○ d. competition ○ c. mutualism ○ b. commensalism ○ a. parasitism

Explanation:

1. Recall the definitions of each ecological relationship:

• Parasitism: One organism benefits at the expense of the other (the host is harmed). Epiphytes don't harm the trees, so A is incorrect.
• Commensalism: One organism benefits, and the other is neither helped nor harmed. Epiphytes grow on tree bark, get nutrients from the air (not from the tree), and the tree is not affected. This fits commensalism.
• Mutualism: Both organisms benefit. The tree doesn't gain from the epiphyte, so C is incorrect.
• Competition: Organisms compete for the same resources. Epiphytes and trees aren't competing for resources here, so D is incorrect.

Answer:

B. commensalism