What type of relationship exists between corals and zooxanthellae? commensalistic meaning one benefits a the other is unaffected parasitic meaning one benefits & the other is harmed mutualistic meaning both benefit

The relationship between corals and zooxanthellae is mutualistic, meaning both benefit. Corals provide zooxanthellae with a protected environment and access to sunlight, while zooxanthellae produce oxygen and help the coral to remove wastes. In return, they provide the coral with organic products of photosynthesis, which are essential for the coral's growth and survival.