It is beneficial for plants to have their seeds dispersed to reduce competition. Explain how a bird eating fruit is an example of mutualism.

Answer 1

Mutualism is a relationship between two species in which both benefit from the interaction. In the case of a bird eating fruit, the bird benefits by obtaining food and nutrition from the fruit, while the plant benefits by having its seeds dispersed away from the parent plant, reducing competition for resources and increasing the chances of the seed germinating and growing into a new plant. This is a mutually beneficial relationship as both species receive a benefit that wouldn't be possible without the other partner. Therefore, a bird eating fruit is an example of mutualism in which both the bird and the plant benefit from the interaction.