Question

Match the types and nature of interactions between species A and B.
Beneficial: +
No effect : 0
Harmful : -

• A. + for A and 0 for B
• B. + for A and - for B
• C. - for A and - for B
• D. + for A and + for B

Answer 1

These are some of the different types of interrelationships that exist among the organisms in the biotic world.

Mutualism is a mutually beneficial relationship where both the partners are benefitted because of the association. The two partners are not capable of living separately.

Competition is an interaction where there is an active demand for the resources by two or more organism. So neither of them is benefitted and eventually one gets eliminated.

Parasitism is one sided relationship for a parasite which always gets benefits from the host, in one way or the other. So it is beneficial to one and harmful to the other partner.

Predation is a type of interaction where the stronger partner is benefited while the weaker partner is harmed.

In commensalism, one partner might get benefit from the association, while the other is neither benefited not harmed. Epiphytes growing on branches is a very common example.