Question

oxpeckers are a type of bird that feed on pests, like the ticks and fleas, found on animals like zebras and giraffes. the oxpeckers also help keep wounds on animals clean and free from maggots, thereby reducing the chance of infection.

this interaction is an example of what type of relationship?
a. predation
b. parasitism
c. mutualism
d. commensalism

Explanation:

The scenario describes oxpeckers gaining food (pests like ticks/flies) from animals, while the animals get clean wounds and reduced infection risk—both species benefit.

• Parasitism harms one species, benefits the other.
• Predation involves one species hunting/killing the other.
• Commensalism benefits one, no effect on the other.
• Mutualism benefits both interacting species, matching this case.

Answer:

D. Mutualism