Worked example
A bee gets nectar while a flower receives pollen needed for reproduction. Both benefit. Which interaction fits?
Answer & why
Answer: mutualism
Both participating organisms benefit in the stated interaction.
Grade 7 · Science
Classify relationships between organisms
Classify interactions from the stated effects on each organism, without assuming every relationship fits one simple label.
6 authored questions + worked example
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All questions
All 6 authored questions for this skill.
Question 1
Two plant species use the same limited water supply, reducing what each can obtain. Which interaction fits?
- competition
- mutualism
- parasitism
- predation
A hint
Mutualism benefits both organisms; parasitism benefits one while harming its host.
Answer & why
Answer: competition
Both depend on a shared resource that is limited.
Question 2
An owl catches and eats a mouse. Which interaction fits?
- competition
- mutualism
- parasitism
- predation
A hint
Mutualism benefits both organisms; parasitism benefits one while harming its host.
Answer & why
Answer: predation
The owl is a predator consuming its prey.
Question 3
Two birds seek the few available nest holes in the same area. Which interaction is described?
- competition
- predation
- parasitism
- mutualism
A hint
Mutualism benefits both organisms; parasitism benefits one while harming its host.
Answer & why
Answer: competition
The birds compete for a limited nesting resource.
Question 4
An intestinal worm obtains nutrients from a host and reduces the host’s health. Which interaction fits?
- predation
- competition
- mutualism
- parasitism
A hint
Mutualism benefits both organisms; parasitism benefits one while harming its host.
Answer & why
Answer: parasitism
The worm benefits while the host is harmed.
Question 5
A bee gets nectar while a flower receives pollen needed for reproduction. Both benefit. Which interaction fits?
- predation
- competition
- parasitism
- mutualism
A hint
Mutualism benefits both organisms; parasitism benefits one while harming its host.
Answer & why
Answer: mutualism
Both participating organisms benefit in the stated interaction.
Question 6
A tick gains food from a mammal while the mammal is harmed. Which interaction fits?
- predation
- mutualism
- parasitism
- competition
A hint
Mutualism benefits both organisms; parasitism benefits one while harming its host.
Answer & why
Answer: parasitism
The parasite benefits at the host’s expense.