Concept:
In an ecosystem, interacting species can have positive (+), negative (-), or neutral (0) effects on each other. These population interactions are strictly categorized based on the combination of these outcomes for the two interacting species.
Step 1:
Parasitism is a (+, -) interaction, where the parasite benefits and the host is harmed. However, commensalism is a (+, 0) interaction, where one species benefits and the other is neither harmed nor benefited. Therefore, stating that the other species is harmed in commensalism is false. Statement A is incorrect.
Step 2:
Mutualism is a (+, +) interaction. An excellent example is a lichen (fungus and algae). In this relationship, both species benefit mutually from the association. Statement B is correct.
Step 3:
As noted in Step 1, commensalism is a (+, 0) interaction. Only one species benefits, while the other is completely unaffected (neutral). Saying both species benefit describes mutualism, not commensalism. Statement C is incorrect.
Step 4:
Parasitism is defined as a (+, -) relationship. The parasite derives nutrition or shelter (benefit), while the host suffers a loss of fitness or damage (harm). Statement D is correct.
Step 5:
Amensalism is a (-, 0) interaction. In this specific dynamic, one species is harmed (usually by chemical inhibition, like Penicillium fungus killing bacteria), while the other species is completely unaffected (the fungus gains no immediate direct benefit or harm from the dead bacteria). Statement E is correct.
Step 6:
The factually correct statements describing population interactions are B, D, and E. This makes Option (2) the right choice.