Question

Instructions What is the relationship between large mammals and oxpeckers? What data supports your conclusion? Write 6-10 sentences answering this question, specifically referencing the data. You must describe and refer to AT LEAST 3 figures.

Answer 1

The oxpeckers are two species of birds -- the red-billed oxpecker and the yellow-billed oxpecker -- that live in sub-Saharan Africa. The oxpeckers perform a symbiotic relationship with the large, hoofed mammals of the area: giraffes, antelope, zebra, Cape buffalo and rhinoceroses...

Cape Buffalo Benefits=A bison ..
Appo I conted oxlecker Present 1 Exklimental - Oxlecker o absent part do = of too wo thing nell 폐 tod Test that mont End theatment Cost treatment The magnitude and direction of Change in mean total tick load for control and experimental oxferkel fd each replicated experiment figure 1

APPO o Controls - ocPeckel Present 2 Exkrimental oliker hall assent Z nellt nan ist Treatment and mean number of Individual wounds Pel animal all three treatments. In each case, Control en had significantly mole wounds than berimental ones - figwe - 2

From the desk of DATE o D Control opecker besent Experimental alecka absent / no nzul Calmas in nalo no Change 4 8t hot The mean Control changes in Calwas scoles and experimental for each fol . treatment figure 3 Oddy
. Ticks and other insects feasting on the buffalo are removed by the oxpecker. Oxpeckers leave no crevice untouched, and will even work their ways into their hosts ears to remove insects, earwax and parasites. In addition, the oxpecker will eat diseased wound tissue, keeping wounds clean as they heal. Oxpeckers also will hiss when they become alarmed, and can alert their host --who is a prey mammal-- to potential danger.

Oxpecker Benefits=The oxpecker will spend his entire life on his hosts, except for nesting, which occurs in cavities of trees. In this relationship, the part of the oxpecker is obligate; he is dependent upon the host as a source of food. In addition to the meals he receives every day, the oxpecker also is protected from many predators while on the relative safety of the host. Oxpeckers consume dandruff and scar tissue, and have been known to open up wounds on their host to eat the blood and scabs, potentially slowing the healing process.

Mutualism=There are various types of symbiotic relationships. Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship that benefits both organisms. In the case of the relationship between the oxpecker and his bison-like hosts, the oxpecker benefits from having a steady supply of food, while the host benefits from having parasites cleaned from her body.