Question

1. read the following scenarios and determine the type of symbiotic relationship described. explain your reasoning for each scenario.

a. clownfish and sea anemones: the clownfish lives within the tentacles of the sea anemone, receiving protection from predators, while the sea anemone is unaffected.
b. *barnacles on a whales skin: barnacles attach to the skin of a whale, using it as a surface to grow and feed.
c. **cattle and cattle egrets: cattle graze in a field, disturbing insects. cattle egrets follow the cattle and feed on the insects stirred up by their movement.

Explanation:

• a. Commensalism. Clownfish benefits from protection while sea - anemone is neither helped nor harmed.
• b. Commensalism. Barnacles benefit from the whale's skin for growth and feeding, and the whale is not affected.
• c. Commensalism. Cattle egrets benefit from the insects stirred up by cattle, and cattle are not affected by the presence of egrets.

Answer:

• a. Commensalism. Reason: Clownfish gains protection, sea - anemone is unaffected.
• b. Commensalism. Reason: Barnacles use whale's skin for growth/feeding, whale is not affected.
• c. Commensalism. Reason: Cattle egrets feed on insects stirred by cattle, cattle are unaffected.