Answer: Both partners derive a benefit.
- A One partner is always harmed
- B Neither partner is affected
- C Both partners derive a benefit
- D The host unknowingly raises another's young
Correct answer: C. Both partners derive a benefit
Explanation: Mutualism gives a net benefit to both species, whereas brood parasitism benefits one at the expense of the deceived host.
Exponential growth produces an ever-steepening J-curve with no limit, an unrealistic long-term model; logistic growth produces an S-curve that levels off at the carrying capacity K, as growth rate (K−N)/K shrinks to zero once resources are fully used.
Concept context
How organisms interact with abiotic factors and respond to stress, plus population attributes, growth models, and interspecific interactions such as predation, competition, and mutualism.