Question

Assertion : Relationship between sea anemone and hermit crab is said to be an example of obligate mutualism.
Reason : Obligate mutualism is a positive (benefical) interaction between two species.

• A. If both the assertion and the reason are true and the reason is a correct explanation of the assertion
• B. If both the assertion and reason are true but the reason is not a correct explanation of the assertion
• C. If the assertion is true but the reason is false
• D. If both the assertion and reason are false
• E. If the assertion is false but reason is true

Answer 1

The correct option is E If the assertion is false but reason is true

(e) The interactions between populations of species in a community are broadly categorised into positive (beneficial) and negative (inhibitory) interactions, depending upon the nature of effect on the interacting organisms. An association of two species, in which both species are benefitted, is called mutualism. Mutualism is a functional association, not merely living together. Mutualism may be obligate in which species are completely dependent upon each other, for example, in the case of coral reef, coelentrates and algae live in obligate relationship, or mutualism can be facultative in which one species may survive even in the absence of the other partner species. The relationship between sea anemone and hermit crab is an example of facultative mutualism. The sea anemone grows on the back of the crab, providing camouflage and protection (the sea anemone has stinging cells) and, in turn, the sea anemone is transported about reaching new food sources. This type of mutualism is also called protocooperation.

So, the correct answer is 'If the assertion is false but reason is true'.