Question

Which of the following is an example of facultative mutualism?

Options

• Birds removing parasites from rhinos

• Fig tree and fig wasp

• Lichens (algae and fungus)

• Rhizobium bacteria and legumes

Answer 1

Facultative mutualism occurs when both species benefit but can survive independently if separated. Birds removing parasites from rhinos exemplifies this because both organisms benefit—birds obtain food and rhinos gain protection from parasites—yet each can survive without the other, unlike obligate mutualistic relationships.