Question

Two organisms live in close association with each other such as one is benefited and the other is neither benefited nor harmed. Which of the following terms best describes this relationship?

• A. parasitism
• B. mutualism
• C. tautomerism
• D. commensalism

Answer 1

The correct option is D

commensalism

The correct option is : D

Explanation of the correct option:

1. The relationship between two different organisms in which the one organism is benefitted by the other and causes no harm to it.
2. The benefits an organism gets in commensalism with other organisms are food, shelter, locomotion, and support.
3. Commensalism is a type of symbiotic relationship.
4. Examples of commensalism are the remoras (suckerfish) for food with sharks and other fishes, tree frogs with plants for protection, etc.

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option A:

1. Parasitism is the association between different organisms in which one is benefitted at the expense of another i.e., one called parasite tends to live in or on the host organism for its benefit.
2. The parasite causes harm to the host by feeding on it for food, shelter, and essential nutrients.
3. For example, tapeworm, leeches, lice, etc.

Option B:

1. Mutualistic relationship is when two different or same species are in a mutual relationship with each other where they work together and benefit each other.
2. For example, ants live and feed on the nectar of the acacia tree and the tree is protected from other insects and grazing animals.

Option C:

1. Tautomerism is the phenomenon in which a compound exists in two or more interconvertible isomeric structures.
2. Tautomers are the alternate forms that are generated by the rearrangement of atoms in the molecules.

Final answer : Thus, the phenomenon whereby two organisms live in close association with each other such as one is benefited and the other is neither benefited nor harmed is called commensalism.