Question

this question has two parts. use the information to answer part a and part b.
mistletoe is a plant. it attaches to the branches of juniper trees. it gets water and nutrients from the trees. in the winter, both mistletoe and juniper trees have berries. several species of birds feed on the berries and spread the seeds. this helps the survival of both plants.
scientists observed the relationships between mistletoe, juniper trees, and the birds for several years. the graphs show the results.
number of birds landing on trees
bar - chart showing number of birds per acre for trees with mistletoe and trees without mistletoe
number of tree seedlings
bar - chart showing number of seedlings per acre for trees with mistletoe and trees without mistletoe
part a
what term best describes the relationship among mistletoe, juniper trees, and the birds?
a. mutualism
b. parasitism
part b
what evidence supports the correct claim from part a? choose three.
a. mistletoe gets water and nutrients from the trees.
b. mistletoe protects the berries on the trees from birds.
c. the trees can survive and reproduce without parasites.
d. mistletoe on the trees increases the reproduction rate of the trees.
e. mistletoe on the trees increases the number of birds visiting berries and spreading seeds from both plants.

Explanation:

Part A: Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit. Mistletoe gets water and nutrients from trees, and birds benefit from the habitat and food (seeds). Part B: Mistletoe getting water and nutrients from the trees shows a benefit for mistletoe, which is part of the mutualistic relationship.

Answer:

Part A: A. mutualism
Part B: A. Mistletoe gets water and nutrients from the trees.