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Functioning ecosystems and succession — Question 23

QCAA 2023, Paper 1 · 3 marks

Q23 · 2023 · Paper 1Unclassified3 marks

QUESTION 23 (3 marks)

Mistletoe is the common name for plants that have a close and long-term interaction with a host tree. In Australia, mistletoe frequently live on eucalyptus trees, penetrating the bark with their modified root systems to access water and nutrients from the xylem. This can restrict nutrient flow in the host tree and may cause parts of its branches to die.

a) Identify the species interaction demonstrated in this scenario. [1 mark]

b) Explain how this relationship differs from predation. [2 marks]

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