In a hypothetical situation, a bacterium lives on the surface of a leaf, where it obtains nutrition from the leaf's nonliving, waxy covering while inhibiting the growth of other microbes that are plant pathogens. If this bacterium gains access to the inside of a leaf, however, it causes a fatal disease in the plant. Once the plant dies, the bacterium and its offspring decompose the plant. What is the correct sequence of ecological roles played by the bacterium in the situation described here?

Answers:

First lets add the missing piece of information

Use only those that apply.

1. nutrient recycler

2. mutualist

3. commensal

4. parasite

5. primary producer

A) 1, 3, 4

B) 2, 3, 4

C) 2, 4, 1

D) 1, 2, 5

E) 1, 2, 3

The CORRECT ANSWER IS C)

C) 2, 4, 1

Explanation:

Mutualism is a form of symbiotic relationship in which both organisms that takes part in the relationship benefits from the relationship without one causing one harm or the other. In this case study, a bacterium lives on the surface of a leaf, where it obtains nutrition from the leaf's nonliving, waxy covering while inhibiting the growth of other microbes that are plant pathogens- both benefits from the relationship.

A Parasite is an organism that lives in or depends on another organism, by starving the organism of nutrients e.t.c. Here, If this bacterium gains access to the inside of a leaf, however, it causes a fatal disease in the plant - bacterium is the parasite and the leaf is the host.

A nutrient recycler specializes in the process of exchange of organic and inorganic matter back into the formation of matter. In this scenario, Once the plant dies, the bacterium and its offspring decompose the plant- bacterium is the nutrient recycler.