Question

Given below are examples of different types of population interaction.

1. Sea anemone and clown fish
2. Fig and wasp
3. Orchid and mango
4. Penecilium and bacteria

Which amongst these are examples of commensalism?

• A. (1) and (4)
• B. (2) and (3)
• C. (1) and (3)
• D. (4) and (3)

Answer 1

The correct option is C (1) and (3)

Commensalism - A type of population interaction in which the one organism is benefitted whereas the other is neither benefitted nor harmed.
For example, Orchid plant that grows as an epiphyte on the mango tree. In this case the mango tree is neither benefitted nor harmed, whereas the orchid plants recieve the essential nutrition and is benefitted.
The interaction between Sea anemone and Clown fish is another example of commensalism, wherein the Clown fish hides from the predators in between the stinging tentacles of Sea anemone. But Sea anemone does not derive any particular benefit from the Clown fish.

Amensalism - A type of population interaction in which one species is harmed whereas the other is neither benefitted nor harmed. For example, Pencillium produces penecillin which kills bacteria.

Mutualism - A type of population interaction in which, both the species are benefitted. For example, the fig flower is pollinated by wasp and the wasp lay eggs in a fig fruit.Thus both fig and wasp are mutually benefitted in this interaction.