Question

Which of the following is not a mutualistic relationship?

a. a shark using an aquatic cleaning station

b. a helminth feeding from its host

c. a bumblebee collecting pollen from a flower

d. bacteria living in the gut of humans

Short answer

A feeding of a helminth from its hosts organism is not an example of mutualistic relationship.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. A shark using an aquatic cleaning station 

A shark using a aquatic cleaning station is a mutualistic relationship because in this relationship both are getting benefitted. Therefore, it is not the correct option.

Step 2. A helminth feeding from its host  

Helminthes are parasitic organisms that rely on a living host for nourishment and survival. It is not a mutualistic relationship because the host is harmed by this relationship. It is a type of parasitic or predatory relationship in which helminth is benefitted while host is harmed. Therefore, it is the correct option.

Step 3. A bumblebee collecting pollen from a flower  

Bumblebee collects the pollen and nectar from a flower and it helps in the pollination of flower. Therefore, in this relationship both are benefitted as it is a type of mutualistic relationship. Hence, it is not a correct option.

Step 4. Bacteria living in the gut of humans 

Bacteria residing in the human intestine are known as gut microbiota and it helps to provide protection from pathogenic microorganisms and also help in providing essential nutrients to the human body but it derives nutrition from the human intestine for its survival and growth. This is type of mutualistic relationship in which both are getting benefitted. Therefore, it is not a correct option.