The Brazil Nut Tree, Bertholletia Excels (N = 17), Is

question 15

Multiple Choice

The Brazil nut tree, Bertholletia excels (n = 17) , is native to tropical rain forests of South America. It is a hardwood tree that can grow to over 50 meters, is a source of high-quality lumber, and is a favorite nesting site for harpy eagles. As the rainy season ends, tough-walled fruits, each containing 8-25 seeds (Brazil nuts) , fall to the forest floor. About $50 million worth of nuts are harvested each year. Scientists have discovered that the pale yellow, self-incompatible flowers of Brazil nut trees admit only female orchid bees as pollinators.
-The agouti (Dasyprocta spp.) , a cat-sized rodent, is the only animal with teeth strong enough to crack the hard wall of Brazil nut fruits. It typically eats some of the seeds, buries others, and leaves still others behind inside the fruit, which moisture can now enter. The uneaten seeds may subsequently germinate. Consequently, which terms describe the relationship between the Brazil nut tree and the agouti?
1) parasitic
2) commensalistic
3) symbiotic
4) endosymbiotic
5) mutualistic

• A) 1 and 3
• B) 2 and 4
• C) 2 and 5
• D) 3 and 5
• E) 4 and 5

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Definitions:

Risk Averse

A preference for certain outcomes over others, even if the uncertain option may offer a higher expected return.

Probability

The evaluation of the chance of an event taking place, indicated by a number between 0 and 1.

Expected Wealth

The anticipated amount of money or assets an individual or entity expects to have in the future.

Property Loss

Refers to the loss of value, destruction, or disappearance of property due to various factors such as theft, damage, or natural disasters.