Question

In which of the following types of population interactions, one species is benefited while another species is being harmed?
(A) Competition
(B) Parasitism
(C) Amensalism
(D) Predation
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (D) only
• B. (B), (C) and (D) only
• C. (B) and (D) only
• D. (C) and (D) only

Hint:

Memorize the symbols for population interactions: Mutualism (+/+), Commensalism (+/0), Competition (-/-), Predation (+/-), Parasitism (+/-), Amensalism (-/0), Neutralism (0/0). This symbolic representation makes it easy to answer such questions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify population interactions with a (+/-) relationship, where one species benefits (+) and the other is harmed (-).

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the interactions:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{(A) Competition (-/-): Both species are harmed as they compete for the same limited resources.} \\ \bullet & \text{(B) Parasitism (+/-): The parasite benefits by deriving nutrients from the host, which is harmed in the process.} \\ \bullet & \text{(C) Amensalism (-/0): One species is harmed while the other is unaffected. For example, a large tree shading a small plant.} \\ \bullet & \text{(D) Predation (+/-): The predator benefits by capturing and consuming the prey, which is harmed (killed).} \\ \end{array}\] Based on this analysis, Parasitism and Predation are the two interactions where one species benefits and the other is harmed.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct interactions are (B) Parasitism and (D) Predation only.