A Group of Biologists Are Studying an Interaction Between Coral

question 62

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A group of biologists are studying an interaction between coral and three species of crab (crab 1, crab 2, and crab 3). They discover that all three species of crab benefit from the coral by feeding on lipid-rich coral mucus. They conduct an experiment in which they remove each species of crab from the coral and then measure the extent to which the coral were overgrown by noxious algae. Based on the data in the figure, explain whether or not each of the three crab species is a mutualist with coral.

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Definitions:

Anaphylactic

A severe and rapid multisystem allergic reaction.

Chemical Substance

A form of matter with constant chemical composition and characteristic properties, distinct from mixtures or mechanical blends.

Chemical Burn

Tissue damage caused by contact with chemicals, leading to irritation or destruction of the skin.