Copy of Tuesday (03/17) - Symbiosis CFU (5/2/2026)

A student made a list of some ways that a species of fungi and plant interact:

• The fungus receives carbohydrates from the plant.

• The fungus helps provide water to the plant's roots.

• The fungus provides minerals and nutrients to the plant.

Based on this information, what is MOST LIKELY the relationship between this species of fungi and the plant?

In some coral reefs, a symbiotic relationship exists between pygmy seahorses and sea fans. The pygmy seahorse can wrap its tail around the branches of the sea fan. This allows the pygmy seahorse to be camouflaged within the sea fan, protecting it from predators. The pygmy seahorse does not harm or benefit the sea fan while it grasps the branches with its tail.

What is the correct classification of this symbiotic relationship?

In the Edwards Plateau region of Texas, both the native White-tailed Deer and the introduced Exotic Axis Deer inhabit the same wooded areas. Both species primarily consume the same types of grasses, forbs, and acorns. During a period of extreme drought, these food sources become scarce.

Western cattle egrets are commonly found in fields where Longhorn cattle are grazing. The egrets follow the Longhorn cattle as they move through the field, eating insects like grasshoppers, crickets, spiders, flies and moths, that are disturbed by the movement of the Longhorn cattle. The cattle are not harmed by the presence of the egrets.

Which answer correctly identifies the relationship between two of these organisms?

The oak mistletoe is a green, leafy plant that grows on trees and has white berries. Mistletoe seeds are spread to other trees through the waste of birds that feed on the berries. The mistletoe seedlings grow into the tree to obtain water and nutrients.

Which answer correctly identifies the relationship between two of these organisms?