Classify the following relationships as parasitism, commensalism, or mutualism: a shark and a remora fish that cleans and eats parasites from the shark's gills; head lice and a human; a spiny sea urchin and a tiny fish that hides from predators by floating among the sea urchin's spines. (this is science)
Biology · Middle School · Thu Feb 04 2021
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1.Shark and Remora Fish:
- Relationship Type: Mutualism
- Explanation: The shark provides a habitat and protection for the remora fish, and in return, the remora fish cleans parasites from the shark's gills.
2.Head Lice and Human:
- Relationship Type: Parasitism
- Explanation: The head lice benefit by feeding on the human's blood, while the human is harmed by the presence of the parasites.
3.Spiny Sea Urchin and Tiny Fish:
- Relationship Type: Commensalism
- Explanation: The tiny fish benefits by hiding among the sea urchin's spines, gaining protection from predators. The sea urchin is not significantly affected by the presence of the fish.
So, the classifications are:
- Shark and Remora Fish: Mutualism
- Head Lice and Human: Parasitism
- Spiny Sea Urchin and Tiny Fish: Commensalism