Question

The interaction in which one organism is benefitted and the other is neither benefited nor harmed is known as

• A. Synergism
• B. Antagonism
• C. Commensalism
• D. Mutualism

Hint:

Another common example of commensalism is the relationship between cattle egrets and grazing livestock. As the livestock move through pastures, they flush out insects, which are eaten by the egrets without affecting the livestock.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Ecological interactions describe how different organisms interact in an ecosystem.
These interactions are classified based on whether they are beneficial ($+$), harmful ($-$), or neutral ($0$) for each participant.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us define the ecological interactions listed in the options:
1. Commensalism (C): This is a symbiotic interaction where one organism benefits ($+$) from the association, while the other partner is neither benefited nor harmed ($0$).
An example is epiphytic orchids growing on tree branches for support without absorbing nutrients from the tree.
2. Mutualism (D): This is an interaction where both species benefit ($+/+$) from the relationship (e.g., pollinators and flowers).
3. Antagonism (B): This is an interaction where one species is harmed, which includes parasitism ($+/-$) and amensalism ($-/0$).
4. Synergism (A): This describes a cooperative relationship where the combined activity of both organisms produces a result that neither could achieve alone, but is not defined strictly by neutral effects on one partner.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The interaction where one benefits and the other is unaffected is Commensalism, corresponding to option (C).