High School

Thank you for visiting Mistletoe Phorodendron infests many taxa of plants often causing the branches of the host species to become swollen and distorted making the trees more susceptible. This page is designed to guide you through key points and clear explanations related to the topic at hand. We aim to make your learning experience smooth, insightful, and informative. Dive in and discover the answers you're looking for!

Mistletoe (Phorodendron) infests many taxa of plants, often causing the branches of the host species to become swollen and distorted, making the trees more susceptible to insect infestations. This is an example of which symbiotic relationship?

1. Parasitism
2. Mutualism
3. Commensalism
4. Amensalism
5. Symnecrosis

Answer :

In the scenario described, where mistletoe infests and harms plants, the symbiotic relationship is an example of parasitism.

  1. Parasitism is a relationship where one organism, the parasite, benefits at the expense of another, the host. In this case, the mistletoe benefits by absorbing water and nutrients from the host plant, while the host plant is negatively affected, as its branches become swollen and distorted, making it more susceptible to disease and insect infestations.

  2. Mutualism is a relationship where both organisms benefit. This does not apply here because the host plant is harmed, not benefitted.

  3. Commensalism is where one organism benefits, and the other is neither harmed nor helped. This is also not applicable because the host plant is clearly harmed.

  4. Amensalism is a relationship where one organism is inhibited or destroyed while the other remains unaffected. This doesn't fit the mistletoe situation since mistletoe benefits.

  5. Symnecrosis refers to a relationship where both organisms are harmed. This too does not apply here because mistletoe benefits from the interaction.

In summary, the correct answer is option 1. parasitism.

Thank you for reading the article Mistletoe Phorodendron infests many taxa of plants often causing the branches of the host species to become swollen and distorted making the trees more susceptible. We hope the information provided is useful and helps you understand this topic better. Feel free to explore more helpful content on our website!

Rewritten by : Jeany