Question

The Great Burdock plant’s seeds have spines on them that attach to the fur of animals that brush against it. The seed then travels with the animal until it eventually falls off, which spreads the plant’s seeds farther than the plant could have done. What type of symbiotic relationship is this?

a.
Mutualism
b.
Commensalism
c.
Parasitism
d.
Competition

Answer 1

The answer is B. Commensalism.

Commensalism is a relationship between two organisms in which only one of them has benefit, and the other one is not affected. In this example, the Great Burdock's plants spread their seeds using animals, so they benefit from this relationship. On the other hand, animals neither have benefits not are harmed from the relationship.

Answer 2

Commensalism. The Great Burdock’s plant seeds are spread by the fur of animals, thus propagating the plant. The animals however are neither harmed nor benefiting from this.