Question

Assertion (A): Cattle egret and grazing cattle is an example of commensalism
Reason (R): Both the cattle egret and grazing cattle are mutually benefited from this interaction

• A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
• B. Both A and R are true and R is not the correct explanation of A
• C. A is true, but R is false
• D. A is false, but R is true

Answer 1

The correct option is C A is true, but R is false

Commensalism is a type of interspecific interaction in which, out of the two interacting species, one is benefited and the other is neither benefited or harmed. The organism that gets benefitted is called commensal and the organism that does not derive any benefit neither gets harmed is called as host. ‘+’ sign is used to represent commensal and ‘0’ sign is used to represent the host.

The cattle egrets (birds) and the grazing cattle exhibit commensalism. Egrets are birds that are usually found along with the grazing cattle. While grazing, the cattle stir up and flush out insects from the vegetation which the bird feeds on. The cattle egret is commensal in this interaction as it is getting benefited and the grazing cattle is neither benefited or harmed.

Mutualism is a type of population interaction in which both the species are mutually benefited.

Hence, A is true and R is false.