Victor is an ecologist specializing in symbiotic relationships.

Question

Victor was studying the symbiotic relationship between a species of beetles and the species of tree the beetle lived in. The beetle obtained nectar and housing from the tree. At first, Victor believed the tree was neither helped nor harmed by the beetle, but then Victor witnessed the beetles attacking herbivore insects that tried to feed on the tree.

What relationship exists between the tree and the beetles?
A.
mutualism
B.
parasitism
C.
commensalism
D.
predation

Answer 1

A. mutualism