Chapter 3, Problem 12STP

Summary Introduction

To describe:

The type of ecological relationship shown by insect that protect tree from fungi and use its sap as a food source.

Introduction:

The interaction between two different living can be studied through different types of ecological interactions. The ecological interaction can be competition, commensalism, mutualism, and predation.

Explanation of Solution

The mutualism is a type interaction, in which an organism shares such a relation with another organism that both the organisms are benefitted. In this case, the tree and the insect both are benefitted. The insect is getting the sap from the tree as a source of food and the tree is getting protection from the fungal parasites. So, tree and insect are in mutualistic relationship.