Question
Read the passage. Then answer the question. European mistletoe is a shrub that grows on trees, including linden trees.The mistletoe has specialized roots that pierce the tree's bark and absorb nutrients and water from inside the tree. These resources from the tree allow the mistletoe to grow up to five feet in diameter! When the tree loses nutrients and water to the mistletoe, the tree grows more slowly and makes fewer seeds. Which type of relationship is formed when European mistletoe grows on a linden tree? commensal mutualistic parasitic
Answer
4.2
(290 Votes)
Nigel
Master · Tutor for 5 years
Answer
parasitic
Explanation
The passage describes how European mistletoe benefits from the relationship with the linden tree by absorbing nutrients and water through its specialized roots. This allows the mistletoe to grow. However, this relationship negatively affects the linden tree, as it loses nutrients and water to the mistletoe, resulting in slower growth and fewer seeds. This type of relationship, where one organism benefits at the expense of another, is known as a parasitic relationship. In contrast, a commensal relationship would mean one organism benefits while the other is not significantly harmed or helped, and a mutualistic relationship would mean both organisms benefit from the interaction.