Question

Which of the following statements regarding species interdependence are true?
A. An association of two species where one is benefited and other remains unaffected is called mutualism.
B. An interspecific association where both partners derive benefit from each other is called commensalism.
C. A direct food relation between two species of animals in which one animal kills and feeds on another is referred as predation.
D. A relationship between two species of organism where both the partners are benefited from each other is called as symbiosis.

• A. A and B only
• B. C and D only
• C. A and C only
• D. B and C only
• E. B and D only

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

C and D only

Mutualism is a mutually beneficial relationship between individuals of two different species. None of the two is capable of living separately e.g., nitrogen fixing Rhizobium bacteria living in root nodules of leguminous plants.
Symbiosis and mutualism are synonyms.
Commensalism is an interaction in which one organism is benefited and the other is neither benefited nor harmed, example barnacles are often attached to the surface of whales for shelter and obtaining more food.
In predation one organism called as predator captures, kills and eats another organism, called as prey. Predators are generally carnivorous but some herbivorous animals, which destroy whole plants or seeds are also called as predators e.g., big cats like lion, tiger etc., birds feeding on seeds of plants etc.
Therefore the correct answer is option B.