Problem 5 - Biology: The Dynamic Science

Question

Bacteria that live in the human intestine assist digestion and feed on nutrients the human consumed. This relationship might best be described as: a. commensalism. b. mutualism. c. endoparasitism. d. ectoparasitism. e. predation.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The best description of the relationship between the bacteria that live in the human intestine assisting digestion and feeding on consumed nutrients would be mutualism.

Step 1: Defining the terms

Each of these terms describes a specific relationship between species in ecology: \n\nCommensalism is a relationship where one organism benefits without affecting the other.\n\nMutualism is a relationship where both organisms benefit.\n\nEndoparasitism is where the parasite lives inside the host and may cause harm.\n\nEctoparasitism is where the parasite lives on the outside of the host and may cause harm.\n\nPredation is where one organism (the predator) kills and consumes another (the prey).

Step 2: Analyzing the relationship

According to the given exercise, the bacteria are living in the human intestine, assisting in digestion (benefiting the human), and feeding on nutrients (benefiting the bacteria). Therefore, they are living in a mutually beneficial relationship.

Step 3: Selecting the answer

Based on the explanation in the previous steps, the best description of the relationship between intestinal bacteria and humans would be mutualism. Both parties gain some advantage from this relationship.