Study the following interactions and select the option stating the incorrect match among the following population interactions.
Species A | Species B | Population interaction | |
1 | + | + | Mutualism |
2 | - | - | Competition |
3 | - | 0 | Commensalism |
4 | + | - | Parasitism |
Mutualism is a type of population interaction that confers benefits on both the interacting species (+/+ interaction). Example - In lichen, the photosynthetic algal part provides nutrition to the organism while the fungal part helps to absorb moisture from air and also provides shade to the light-sensitive algae.
Competition is a type of population interaction in which two species compete for the same resources that are limiting. This has a negative effect on both the interacting species (-/- interaction). Example - In some shallow South American lakes, visiting flamingoes and resident fish compete for zooplanktons, their common food.
Parasitism is a type of population interaction between two living species in which one organism (the parasite) lives and derives nutrition from another specific organism (the host). Here, the parasite is benefited (+) at the expense of the host (-).