What term describes the relationship between humans and their intestinal bacteria?
Mutualism To get the answer to this question, you have to know the definitions of the four terms. Mutualism is a relationship where both parties involved benefit. Parasitism is where just one of the two parties benefits, and the other is harmed. Commensalism is where one party benefits, while the other is unaffected. Predation is an interaction where a predator feeds on its prey. In the case of humans and intestinal bacteria, both parties are benefiting from this interaction. Through intestinal bacteria, humans are able to digest certain foods they would otherwise not be able to (similar to bacteria in a termite’s gut allowing it to digest cellulose). Also, the presence of these bacteria prevent other, noxious bacteria from being able to settle and grow. On the other side, intestinal bacteria are provided with a warm environment and constant food source in the intestines.
