An ecological relationship between organisms of different species that are in direct contact can best be described as a. taxis b. commensal c. mutualistic d. symbiotic e. parasitic

mutualistic

Explanation:

A mutualistic association involves two organisms of different species (interspecies) where ONE or BOTH derives benefits such as shelter, food nutrients, protection from the other.

Examples of mutualistic relationship are

- commensalism

- symbiosis

observed in bacteria found in the root nodules of legumes, ants and aphids etc

the answer for this question would be d. glaciers

as the gila monster consumes the eggs or young of the desert cottontail and gambel's quail, thus its main food supply is only accessible for a restricted time duration every year. however, for this, the gila monsters exhibit three adaptations, which elevate their survival rate in the desert condition.  

first, is that they possess huge bodies, and can consume greater concentrations of food during a small period. secondly, they require to feed infrequently as they can accumulate fat in their tails. ultimately, their rate of metabolism is very low, so that they can burn their reservoirs of fat gradually.