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An example of a non-symbiotic, obligate mutualism is:

a) Bees and flowers
b) Human and gut bacteria
c) Clownfish and sea anemones
d) Wolves and deer

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Bees and flowers represent a non-symbiotic, obligate mutualistic relationship where bees obtain nectar and pollinate the flowers, a classic example of mutualism without physical symbiosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

An example of a non-symbiotic, obligate mutualism is when two species interact in a way that is essential for the survival of both but does not involve them living in close physical proximity. The given options present different types of relationships, some of which are symbiotic.

Bees and flowers (a) represent a classic mutualistic relationship where bees get nectar and in return, pollinate the flowers, which is essential for the reproduction of many plants. Human and gut bacteria (b) also have a mutualistic relationship, but it is symbiotic because the bacteria reside within the human body.

The clownfish and sea anemones (c) have a well-known symbiotic mutualistic relationship, where both parties live in close association and benefit from each other. Wolves and deer (d) do not have a mutualistic relationship; wolves are predators of deer, which is a part of the predator-prey dynamic, not mutualism.

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User Nareille
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