Question

oxpeckers are african bird that feed on fleas ticks and other small insects is this commensalism or mutualism

Answer 1

The relationship between oxpeckers and larger mammals, such as cattle or rhinoceros, is an example of mutualism. In this interaction, the oxpeckers benefit by feeding on the fleas, ticks, and other parasites found on the mammals, while the mammals benefit from the removal of these pests. Mutualism is characterized by both species experiencing a benefit from the relationship. In some cases, however, oxpeckers can also engage in behaviors that may harm the host, such as pecking at the skin to feed on blood, but the primary relationship is still generally classified as mutualism because of the pest control aspect.