Flagellates and Termites Mutualistic Association

What type of association do flagellates have with termites?

Which statement can be true about the association between these microbes and termites?

A. The flagellates share a facultative mutualistic association with the termites.

B. The flagellates and termites share an obligate mutualistic association.

C. The flagellates share an obligate parasitic association with the termites.

D. The flagellates and termites share a commensal association.

E. The flagellates and termites share a facultative parasitic association.

The flagellates share a facultative mutualistic association with the termites.

Mutualism is a biological interaction between individuals of different species, where both benefit from each other. This is called cooperation and it differs from other interactions such as cases of exploitation, such as parasitism, predation. In this interaction called association, both species cooperate and benefit.

Flagellates are microbes that have a rod-shaped flagellum that helps with their locomotion. Certain flagellates reside inside termites. These flagellates provide enzymes for the termites to digest cellulose, which helps them survive. In turn, the termites provide nourishment to these flagellates. Termites need cellulose for their survival, and flagellates obtain nutrition only from termites.

Facultative mutualism is a type of mutualistic association where both species benefit from the relationship, but it is not essential for their survival. In the case of flagellates and termites, they share a facultative mutualistic association because while both benefit from each other, it is not a compulsory relationship for their survival.

Therefore, the correct statement about the association between flagellates and termites is that the flagellates share a facultative mutualistic association with the termites.