/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 72 Honey bees are pollinators. Iden... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

Honey bees are pollinators. Identify the type of symbiotic relationship that exists between honey bees and flowering plants, and explain why your reasoning. a. This is commensalism because bees help plants pollinate and, in turn, obtain nectar from the plants. b. This is a mutualistic relationship, because bees obtain nectar from the plants, but do not provide any benefits to the plants. c. This is commensalism, because bees obtain nectar from the plants, but do not provide any benefits to the plants. d. This is a mutualistic relationship, because bees help plants pollinate and, in turn, obtain nectar from the plants.

Short Answer

Expert verified
d. This is a mutualistic relationship, because bees help plants pollinate and, in turn, obtain nectar from the plants.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Meaning of Symbiotic Relationships

First, it's important to know what symbiotic relationships are. Symbiosis is an interaction between two different organisms living in close physical association, typically to the advantage of both. The three main types are mutualism (both benefit), commensalism (one benefits, the other is unaffected), and parasitism (one benefits, the other is harmed).
02

Identify the Relationship Elements

Analyze the relationship between honey bees and flowering plants. Bees obtain nectar from the flowers, which is crucial for their survival. In return, bees help in the pollination process, which is essential for the plants to reproduce.
03

Evaluate the Options

Compare the given multiple-choice options with the information about honey bees and flowering plants:- Option a suggests commensalism with mutual benefits, which is contradictory.- Option b claims a mutualistic relationship without any benefits to plants, which is incorrect.- Option c suggests commensalism with no benefits to plants, which is wrong.- Option d correctly describes a mutualistic relationship, with both bees obtaining nectar and helping plants pollinate.
04

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, the correct answer should state both organisms benefit from the relationship, fitting the description of mutualism.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Mutualism
In ecology, mutualism is defined as a type of symbiotic relationship where both participating species benefit from the interaction. In the case of honey bees and flowering plants, mutualism is clearly demonstrated. Honey bees gather nectar from flowers, which they use to produce honey—a key food source. In return, as bees move from one flower to another, they transfer pollen, facilitating the plants' reproduction process.
This means that both species gain something vital from the other, making their relationship mutualistic. Honey bees get food, and plants get to reproduce. This beneficial exchange boosts the chances of survival and thriving for both the bees and the plants involved.
Pollination
Pollination is the process of transferring pollen from the male part of a flower (anther) to the female part (stigma). This can occur within the same flower or between flowers. Honey bees are among the most crucial pollinators in many ecosystems. As they collect nectar, they accidentally transfer pollen from one flower to another.
This movement of pollen is essential for plant fertilization and the production of seeds and fruit. Without pollination, many plants wouldn't be able to reproduce. This not only affects the plants but also the broader ecosystem that relies on these plants for food and habitat.
Symbiotic Relationships
Symbiotic relationships are interactions between different species living in close physical proximity. There are three main types:
  • Mutualism: Both species benefit.
  • Commensalism: One species benefits, while the other is neither helped nor harmed.
  • Parasitism: One species benefits at the expense of the other.
The relationship between honey bees and flowering plants is a classic example of mutualism. Both species derive essential benefits—bees get food, and plants get help with reproduction.
Ecology
Ecology is the study of the interactions between organisms and their environment. Symbiotic relationships like those between honey bees and flowering plants are fundamental components of ecological systems. These relationships can influence population dynamics, ecosystem stability, and biodiversity.
In an ecosystem, honey bees serve as vital pollinators. They help maintain the health of plant populations, which in turn support other organisms. By aiding plant reproduction, honey bees contribute to the overall balance and health of ecosystems. Understanding these interactions helps us appreciate the intricate connections in nature and emphasizes the importance of conserving pollinators like honey bees.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Predict and explain the effects of human population on biodiversity many years in the future. a. Biodiversity will decline as human population increases because of habitat loss, increased pollution, and climate change. b. Biodiversity will decline as human population increases because of enhanced food supplies, medical advances, and development of renewable energy sources. c. Biodiversity will increase as human population increases because of habitat loss, increased pollution, and climate change. d. Biodiversity will increase as human population increases because of enhanced food supplies, medical advances, and development of renewable energy sources.

Frogs are amphibians and spend time both on land and in water. Female frogs are vulnerable to predation by fish when they enter the water to lay eggs. A hypothesis has been proposed that frogs rely on chemical detection of predators in addition to visual detection. In other words, frogs detect the presence of predator fish by chemicals released by fish into the water. Design an experiment to test this hypothesis. a. Arrange containers of water in which water can be freely shared between two compartments. Fish are contained within one compartment and frogs in another such that the frogs on one side cannot see or hear fish on other side. Observe and compare the egg laying behavior of female frogs in the presence and absence of predator fish in the fish tank. b. Arrange containers of water in which water can be freely shared between two compartments. Fish and frogs are contained within one compartment such that frogs cannot see or hear fish. Observe and compare the egg laying behavior of female frogs in the presence and absence of predator fish. c. Arrange containers of water in which water can be freely shared between two compartments. Fish and frogs are contained within one compartment such that frogs can see or hear fish. Observe and compare the egg laying behavior of female frogs in the presence and absence of predator fish in the fish tank. d. Arrange containers of water in which water can be freely shared between two compartments. Fish are contained within one compartment and frogs in another such that frogs on one side can see or hear fish on other side. Observe and compare the egg laying behavior of female frogs in the presence and absence of predator fish in the fish tank.

\(\begin{array}{|c|c|}\hline \text { Date } & {N} \\ \hline 5 / 1 /12 & {56} \\\ \hline 6 / 1/12 & {98} \\ \hline 7 / 2 / 12 & {203} \\ \hline 8 / 10 / 12 & {421} \\ \hline\end{array}\) These data were collected on a population of beetles in Florida. Based on the data, how would you describe population growth in this case and what do you predict about growth of this population in the future? Explain your reasoning. a. Population shows logistic growth, as number of individuals doubles every month and will likely continue to grow logistically until its resources become depleted. At that point, the population growth rate will slow down and level off to zero. b. The population shows exponential growth, as the number of individuals doubles every month and will likely grow logistically in the future when the resources become limited. At that point, the population growth rate will slow down and level off to zero. c. The population shows exponential growth, as number of individuals doubles every month and will likely continue to grow exponentially until its resources become limited. At that point, the growth will become logistic; the population growth rate will slow down and level off to zero. d. The population shows logistic growth and is likely to grow exponentially as the resources are probably increasing. The population growth rate will increase in the future as well.

Describe how a researcher could determine the population size and density of a bird population on one of the Hawaiian islands. a. Population size can be determined by life tables. The area of the island in square kilometers is divided by the population size to determine the density of the bird population. b. Population size can be determined by the mark and recapture method. The population size is divided by the area of the island in square kilometers to determine the density of the bird population. c. Population size can be determined by life tables. The population size is divided by the area of the island in square kilometers to determine the density of the bird population. d. Population size can be determined by the mark and recapture method. The area of the island in square kilometers is divided by the population size to determine the density of the bird population.

Different species have different survival curves. A Type III survival curve would most likely be observed for _____. a. whales b. seals c. salmon d. polar bears

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.