Question

In a tropical rainforest, a species of bird known as the shimmering starling feeds exclusively on leaf beetle insects that live on the surface of palm trees. The palm trees benefit by having these harmful insects removed. The starling does not build its nest on the palm trees but in nearby oak trees that provide better protection. Which two relationships describe the interactions in this scenario?

There is a parasitic relationship between the starlings and the palm trees.
There is a mutualistic relationship between the starlings and the palm trees.
There is a commensalistic relationship between the starlings and the palm trees.
There is a competition relationship between the starlings and the leaf beetle insects.
There is a predator-prey relationship between the starlings and the leaf beetle insects.

Answer 1

In the given scenario, the two relationships that describe the interactions are:

1. **Mutualistic relationship between the starlings and the palm trees**: The shimmering starling benefits by feeding on the leaf beetle insects, and the palm trees benefit by having the harmful insects removed.

2. **Predator-prey relationship between the starlings and the leaf beetle insects**: The shimmering starling preys on the leaf beetle insects, which are its food source.

So the correct relationships are the mutualistic relationship between the starlings and the palm trees, and the predator-prey relationship between the starlings and the leaf beetle insects.