Mutualism Relationship between Bumblebees and Hibiscus Flowers
What is the relationship between hibiscus flowers and bumblebees that eat hibiscus nectar and transfer the pollen of the hibiscus flower?
A. parasitism: bumblebees harm the host hibiscus flowers by removing pollen
B. commensalism: bumblebees live off the nectar but the hibiscus flowers do not benefit
C. predation: bumblebees feed on hibiscus flowers' nectar which causes the hibiscus flowers to die
D. mutualism: bumblebees pollinate hibiscus flowers and hibiscus flowers provide food for bumblebees
Answer: C. predation: bumblebees feed on hibiscus flowers' nectar which causes the hibiscus flowers to die
Explanation:
Bumblebees and hibiscus flowers have a mutualistic relationship, where each benefits from the interaction. Therefore, option (D) is the correct option.
Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship in which both organisms involved benefit from the interaction. It is a cooperative and mutually beneficial interaction between individuals of two different species.
Bumblebees feed on the nectar of hibiscus flowers, which provides them with a source of food, and in the process, they transfer pollen from one hibiscus flower to another, facilitating pollination and allowing the hibiscus to reproduce.
In turn, the hibiscus flowers benefit from the pollination, which leads to the production of seeds and the continuation of their species.