Which statement best describes the evolutionary significance of mutualism?
a) mutualism offers more biodiversity to a community.
b) individuals partaking in a mutualistic relationship are more resistant to parasites.
c) interaction increases the survival and reproductive rates of mutualistic species.
d) mutualistic interaction lessens competition in communities where it is present.
e) mutualistic relationships allow organisms to synthesize and use energy more efficiently.

C) Interaction increases the survival and reproductive rates of mutualistic species.

Explanation:

A) Mutualism offer more biodiversity to a community.

    Biodiversity is the different species living in one environment. Since mutualism is only involving two species, it wouldn't increase the biodiversity of one ecosystem, making it incorrect.

B) Individuals partaking in a mutualistic relationship relationship are more resistant to parasites.

    Mutualism is only benefiting two species, not their immunity to diseases and parasites. These two have no correlation with each other, making it incorrect.

D) Mutualistic interaction lessens competition in communities where it is present.

    Since mutualism is only benefiting two species, they have no correlation since the relationship doesn't affect the different species in the environment.

E) Mutualistic relationships allow organisms to synthesize and use energy more efficiently.

    Although there could be some relationships involving energy transfer between the species, that would sound more like commensalism or even paratsitism if you think about it. However, it is very uncommon and usually energy has no relationship with species relationships, making it incorrect.

Hope this helps! My deepest apologies if I got in incorrect!