The Animals MCQs collection offers a total of 510 questions, spread over 6 parts. Each part carries 100 questions, except Part 6 (10 questions). Numbering restarts at 1 in every part. These questions support Zoology knowledge, Biology exam preparation, and competitive studies.
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Correct Answer: To remove parasites
Explanation: Cleaner fish play a vital role in maintaining the health of larger fish by removing parasites, dead skin, and other debris from their bodies. This symbiotic relationship benefits both parties: the cleaner fish receive food and shelter, while the larger fish enjoy improved health and hygiene. This interaction is often seen in coral reef ecosystems, where various species of cleaner wrasses perform “cleaning stations” for visiting fish. By helping to keep larger fish healthy, cleaner fish contribute to the overall balance and health of the marine ecosystem.
Correct Answer: Mutualism
Explanation: The relationship between oxpeckers and large mammals, such as rhinoceroses or buffalo, is an example of mutualism, where both species benefit. Oxpeckers feed on ticks, dead skin, and parasites found on the bodies of these mammals, helping to keep them free of pests. In return, the large mammals gain relief from these irritating parasites, leading to better overall health. This relationship showcases the interconnectedness of species within ecosystems and highlights the importance of cooperation for survival.
Correct Answer: One species benefits while the other is unaffected
Explanation: A commensal relationship is characterized by one species benefiting while the other is neither helped nor harmed. An example of this is the relationship between barnacles and whales; barnacles attach themselves to the skin of whales for transportation to feeding grounds without affecting the whale’s health. Understanding different types of species interactions is crucial for appreciating biodiversity and the complexities of ecosystems, highlighting how various organisms can coexist.
Correct Answer: Ants protect aphids from predators
Explanation: Ants and aphids demonstrate a mutualistic relationship where ants protect aphids from predators, such as ladybugs, in exchange for a sugary substance called honeydew produced by the aphids. This interaction is beneficial for both species: aphids gain protection, while ants receive a food source. Such relationships are common in nature and emphasize the interconnectedness of species within ecosystems, showcasing how organisms can adapt and rely on each other for survival.
Correct Answer: Pilot fish remove parasites from sharks
Explanation: Pilot fish often swim alongside sharks, engaging in a mutualistic relationship where they help keep the sharks free of parasites and dead skin. This relationship benefits both species: pilot fish gain protection from predators by associating with larger sharks, while sharks enjoy improved hygiene and health. This type of interaction highlights the complex relationships in marine ecosystems and the important roles different species play in maintaining the balance of their environments.
Correct Answer: One species benefits while the other is harmed
Explanation: Parasitism is a type of interaction in which one organism, the parasite, benefits at the expense of another organism, the host, which is harmed. Common examples include ticks feeding on mammals or tapeworms living in the intestines of their hosts. This relationship can lead to health issues for the host and may even result in death in severe cases. Understanding parasitism is important for studying ecological dynamics and the impacts of various species on each other within ecosystems.
Correct Answer: A bee and a flower
Explanation: The relationship between bees and flowers is a classic example of mutualism. Bees pollinate flowers while gathering nectar for food, benefiting the flowers by facilitating reproduction through pollination. This interaction enhances biodiversity, as it supports the reproduction of flowering plants, which are essential for ecosystems. Mutualistic relationships like this one are critical for the survival of many species and maintaining the health of ecosystems, emphasizing the interdependence of organisms.
Correct Answer: Cleaner wrasse
Explanation: The cleaner wrasse is a type of fish known for its mutualistic relationships with larger marine animals, such as groupers and parrotfish. These fish visit “cleaning stations” where cleaner wrasses remove parasites and dead skin. This interaction is beneficial for both parties, as larger fish gain improved health, while cleaner wrasses obtain food. Such relationships highlight the importance of biodiversity in marine ecosystems and the complex interactions that occur between different species.
Correct Answer: A barnacle on a whale
Explanation: An example of a commensal relationship is that of barnacles attaching themselves to the skin of whales. The barnacles benefit by gaining access to nutrient-rich waters as the whale swims, while the whale remains unaffected by the presence of the barnacles. This relationship exemplifies how different species can coexist without directly impacting one another, showcasing the diversity of interactions within ecosystems and the adaptations that allow species to thrive in various environments.
Correct Answer: They remove parasites and dead skin
Explanation: Oxpeckers have a mutualistic relationship with large herbivores, such as buffalo and rhinos, by feeding on parasites and dead skin. This behavior helps improve the health of the herbivores while providing the oxpeckers with a food source. The interaction exemplifies how different species can work together for mutual benefit, highlighting the importance of such relationships in maintaining the health of ecosystems and the interconnectedness of species within their environments.