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BIOLOGY, M4 EQ-Bank 3 MC

Which of the following is an example of a parasitic relationship?

  1. A bee collecting nectar from a flower .
  2. A tapeworm living in a human intestine.
  3. Egrets following cattle, feeding on the insects.
  4. A bird eating berries from a bush.
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\(B\)

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→ Option B is a parasitic relationship because the tapeworm benefits by absorbing nutrients from the host’s digestive system, while the human host is harmed.

→ The other options which represent mutualism (bee and flower), commensalism (egret and cattle), or a predator-prey relationship (bird eating berries).

\(\Rightarrow B\)

BIOLOGY, M4 EQ-Bank 2 MC

Which of the following relationships is an example of parasitism?

  1. A cleaner wrasse removing parasites from a larger fish.
  2. A lichen formed by a fungus and an alga growing together on a rock.
  3. An orchid growing on the branch of a rainforest tree without harming it.
  4. A cuckoo laying its eggs in another bird's nest for the host to raise.
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\(D\)

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Option A is an example of mutualism (both benefit).

Option B describes mutualism in the form of a lichen. The fungus provides structure and moisture, while the alga produces food through photosynthesis.

Option C is an example of commensalism. The orchid benefits from the support and access to sunlight, while the tree is unaffected.

Option D is an example of parasitism. The cuckoo benefits by having its offspring raised without expending energy, while the host bird is harmed by wasting resources on raising another species’ young.

\(\Rightarrow D\)

BIOLOGY, M4 EQ-Bank 1 MC

Commensalism is a form of symbiotic relationship. Which of the following best describes a commensal relationship between two organisms?

  1. Both organisms benefit from the interaction.
  2. One organism benefits while the other is unaffected.
  3. One organism benefits at the expense of the other.
  4. Neither organism is affected by the interaction.
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\(B\)

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→ In a commensal relationship, one organism benefits from the interaction while the other is neither helped nor harmed.

\(\Rightarrow B\)

BIOLOGY, M4 EQ-Bank 4

Describe the differences between mutualistic and parasitic symbiotic relationships in ecosystems. In your answer, provide one specific example of each type of relationship from nature.   (3 marks)

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→ Mutualistic and parasitic relationships are both types of symbiosis involving a relationship between two different species.

→ In a mutualistic relationship, both organisms benefit from the interaction.

→ Example: the relationship between clownfish and sea anemones, where the clownfish receive protection from predators among the anemone’s tentacles, while the anemone benefits from the fish’s waste products.

→ In contrast, in a parasitic relationship, one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of the other (the host). 

→ Example: tapeworms living in a dog’s intestine, where the tapeworm gains nutrients from the dog’s digested food, causing potential health issues for the dog without providing any benefits. 

Show Worked Solution

→ Mutualistic and parasitic relationships are both types of symbiosis involving a relationship between two different species.

→ In a mutualistic relationship, both organisms benefit from the interaction.

→ Example: the relationship between clownfish and sea anemones, where the clownfish receive protection from predators among the anemone’s tentacles, while the anemone benefits from the fish’s waste products.

→ In contrast, in a parasitic relationship, one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of the other (the host). 

→ Example: tapeworms living in a dog’s intestine, where the tapeworm gains nutrients from the dog’s digested food, causing potential health issues for the dog without providing any benefits. 

BIOLOGY, M4 2022 VCE 20 MC

During their lifetime, plants are exposed to both pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms. Some plants provide shelter within their bodies for beneficial microorganisms.

These beneficial microorganisms help plants that have not been genetically modified to resist pathogenic microorganisms.

The beneficial microorganisms may be providing protection by

  1. Synthesising toxins that kill pathogenic microorganisms.
  2. Providing a permeable physical barrier to pathogenic microorganisms.
  3. Stimulating the production of antibodies against pathogenic microorganisms.
  4. Mobilising the cells of the third line of defence against pathogenic microorganisms.
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\(A\)

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By Elimination

→ Stimulating antibody production and mobilising cells of the third line of defence are impossible in a plant as they do not contain an adaptive immune system (Eliminate C and D).

→ Microorganisms are not able to create a permeable physical barrier which will allow passage of materials but deter pathogenic microorganisms (Eliminate B).

\(\Rightarrow A\)

BIOLOGY, M4 EQ-Bank 24

Explain ONE example of a mutual symbiotic relationship.   (3 marks)

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→ A mutual symbiotic relationship is one in which both organisms involved benefit.

→ One example would be the relationship between kangaroos and their gut bacteria.

→ Kangaroos cannot individually produce the enzyme cellulase that is able to digest cellulose, however, the bacteria that exist in their gut are able to.

→ This means that the kangaroo can break down the cell wall of plant cells (made of cellulose) and access the nutrients inside, while the bacteria can also obtain a food supply from the kangaroo as well as a safe place to live.

Other answers could include

→ Termites have protozoans that can digest cellulose.

→ Birds that sit atop cows eat ticks that may get stuck on the cow

Show Worked Solution

→ A mutual symbiotic relationship is one in which both organisms involved benefit.

→ One example would be the relationship between kangaroos and their gut bacteria.

→ Kangaroos cannot individually produce the enzyme cellulase that is able to digest cellulose, however, the bacteria that exist in their gut are able to.

→ This means that the kangaroo can break down the cell wall of plant cells (made of cellulose) and access the nutrients inside, while the bacteria can also obtain a food supply from the kangaroo as well as a safe place to live.

Other answers could include

→ Termites have protozoans that can digest cellulose.

→ Birds that sit atop cows eat ticks that may get stuck on the cows.

BIOLOGY, M4 EQ-Bank 7 MC

A tapeworm is an animal that gains it's nutrients while living inside the host, often making the host seriously ill.

What kind of symbiotic relationship is this an example of?

  1. Predation.
  2. Parasitism.
  3. Mutualism.
  4. Commensalism.
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\(B\)

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→ A tapeworm is an example of a parasite, it lives at the expense of a host.

\(\Rightarrow B\)