Oxpeckers and rhinos manifest a symbiotic relationship in the wild. The oxpeckers warn the rhinos about approaching poachers, thus possibly saving the lives of the rhinos. Oxpeckers also feed on the parasitic ticks found on rhinos.
In the symbiotic relationship described above, the primary benefits for oxpeckers and rhinos respectively are:
A. Oxpeckers get a food source; rhinos have no benefit
B. Oxpeckers save their habitat from poachers while rhinos have no benefit
C. Oxpeckers get a food source; rhinos may be saved from poachers
D. Oxpeckers save the lives of rhinos; rhinos save their own lives
GATE 2021 · General Aptitude · Verbal Reasoning · easy
Answer: Option C. Oxpeckers get a food source (ticks); rhinos may be saved from poachers (warning benefit).
Identify oxpecker's benefit from the passage: The passage states: 'Oxpeckers also feed on the parasitic ticks found on rhinos.' Primary benefit for oxpeckers = food source (ticks).
Identify rhino's benefit from the passage: The passage states: 'The oxpeckers warn the rhinos about approaching poachers, thus possibly saving the lives of the rhinos.' Primary benefit for rhinos = being warned of poachers (possibly saving their lives).
Match to the correct option: Option C: 'Oxpeckers get a food source; rhinos may be saved from poachers.' This matches both benefits accurately and in the right order.