How does the plover benefit? How does the crocodile benefit?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for an explanation of the mutualistic relationship between the plover and the crocodile. It inquires specifically how each organism benefits from the interaction.
Answer
Plover eats food from crocodile's teeth; crocodile gets dental cleaning.
The Egyptian Plover bird benefits by getting a meal from the food stuck in the crocodile's teeth. The crocodile benefits by having its mouth cleaned, which removes food debris and helps prevent infection.
Answer for screen readers
The Egyptian Plover bird benefits by getting a meal from the food stuck in the crocodile's teeth. The crocodile benefits by having its mouth cleaned, which removes food debris and helps prevent infection.
More Information
This interaction is an example of mutualism, where both species benefit from their relationship.
Sources
- The ecological and evolutionary significance of the crocodile-plover symbiosis - aipublications.com
- The Egyptian Plover bird and the crocodile - causalpatterns.org
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