9. Bats eat insects that damage crops and mosquitoes that are vectors for disease. One million
at several tons of insects per night, saving billions of dollars in pesticides yearly
Agricultural and public health scientists are concerned about the spread of white-nose
syndrome (WNS). WNS is a result of a fungus that can infect cave-dwelling bats. While bats
hibernate during winter months, the fungus covers the bats' face and wings. WNS has a near
100% mortality rate, and 5.7 million bats have died since the discovery of the fungus in 2006.
Many scientists are searching for ways to protect these bats. The relationship between this
fungus and bats can best be defined as-
a. commensal, because the bats provide a surface for the fungus to grow.
b. parasitic, because the fungus obtains nutrients and shelter from the bats.
c. competitive, because both organisms use caves as shelter during the winter.
d. mutualistic, because the relationship involves two distinct species living together.