Question

Yucca flowers are pollinated by yucca moths. The moths lay their eggs in the flowers where the larvae hatch and eat some of the developing seeds. Both species benefit.

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

Answer 1

a) Mutualism

Yucca flowers and yucca moths have a mutualistic relationship where both species benefit. The moths pollinate the flowers while laying eggs which hatch into larvae that feed on the seeds, providing a food source for the moth offspring.

Step-by-step explanation:

The relationship described between yucca flowers and yucca moths is an example of mutualism. In this symbiotic relationship, both species involved derive a benefit. The yucca moth pollinates the yucca flower, which allows the plant to reproduce and produce seeds. Simultaneously, the moth lays its eggs in the flower where the hatching larvae feed on the developing seeds. The plant gets pollinated, and the moth offspring get food, representing a mutual benefit to both organisms. This mutualistic interaction helps maintain the populations of both the yucca plants and the moths, as each relies on the other for a critical part of their life cycle.