Question

which scenario describes a relationship of commensalism? a tapeworm latches itself in the intestines of a rat, feeding off all the nutrients eaten by the rat. oxpecker birds eat parasitic ticks off the backs of zebras. birds feed off the insects that are stirred up from the grasses as cattle move through. a polar bear catches a seal for dinner.

Explanation:

Commensalism is a symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits, and the other is neither helped nor harmed.

1. Tapeworm and rat: This is parasitism (tapeworm benefits, rat is harmed).
2. Oxpecker and zebra: This is mutualism (both benefit; oxpecker gets food, zebra gets pest removal).
3. Birds and cattle: Birds benefit by eating stirred-up insects, cattle are unaffected. This fits commensalism.
4. Polar bear and seal: This is predation (polar bear benefits, seal is killed/harmed).

Answer:

Birds feed off the insects that are stirred up from the grasses as cattle move through.