Question

Which one of the following is a correct pair of certain organism and the kind of association?

• A. Shark and sucker fish- Commensalism
• B. Algae and fungi in lichens- Mutualism
• C. Orchids growing on trees- Parasitism
• D. Cattle egret and grazing cattle - Amensalism

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B)

The correct options are
A Shark and sucker fish- Commensalism
B Algae and fungi in lichens- Mutualism

The biotic components of an ecosystem interact with each other and are interdependent. The interaction is of several types like parasitism, commensalism, symbiotic etc.

Commensalism is the interaction between individuals of two species of which one is benefited while the other is neither nor benefited nor harmed.The sucker fish attach itself to the shark in order to get protection and better food opportunities.

The association between algae and fungi in lichens is known as mutualism in which both the partners are benefited. In lichens, fungus lives on the algae which manufacture the food through chlorophyll present in its cells, while algae enjoy the protection offered by the fungal envelope to live in very dry conditions.