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Question

Match List-I with List-II:

List-I (Interspecies Relationships)

List-II (Features)

List-IList-II
(A) Commensalism(I) One species is benefitted at the expense of the other
(B) Mutualism(II) One species is harmed and the other is unaffected
(C) Amensalism(III) Both the species are benefitted
(D) Parasitism(IV) One species benefits, and the other remains unaffected

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

The correct answer is

(A) - (IV), (B) - (III), (C) - (II), (D) - (I)

Understanding Interspecies Relationships

Interspecies relationships, also known as biological interactions, describe how different species living in the same community interact with each other. These interactions can be beneficial, harmful, or neutral for the species involved. The question asks us to match specific types of interspecies relationships from List-I with their defining features listed in List-II.

Let's analyze each interspecies relationship and its feature:

(A) Commensalism

Commensalism is a type of interspecies interaction where one species benefits, and the other species is neither harmed nor benefited. This is often represented as a (+, 0) interaction.

Looking at List-II, feature (IV) states "One species benefits, and the other remains unaffected". This perfectly matches the definition of Commensalism.

(B) Mutualism

Mutualism is an interspecies relationship where both species involved benefit from the interaction. This is a mutually beneficial relationship, represented as a (+, +) interaction.

Looking at List-II, feature (III) states "Both the species are benefitted". This aligns with the definition of Mutualism.

(C) Amensalism

Amensalism is an interaction where one species is harmed, and the other species is unaffected. This is represented as a (-, 0) interaction.

Looking at List-II, feature (II) states "One species is harmed and the other is unaffected". This describes Amensalism.

(D) Parasitism

Parasitism is an interspecies relationship where one species, the parasite, benefits by deriving nutrients or shelter from another species, the host, while the host is harmed. This is a (+, -) interaction.

Looking at List-II, feature (I) states "One species is benefitted at the expense of the other". This accurately describes Parasitism, where the parasite benefits at the host's expense.

Matching List-I with List-II

Based on the analysis of each relationship, we can create the correct pairings:

  • (A) Commensalism matches with (IV) One species benefits, and the other remains unaffected.
  • (B) Mutualism matches with (III) Both the species are benefitted.
  • (C) Amensalism matches with (II) One species is harmed and the other is unaffected.
  • (D) Parasitism matches with (I) One species is benefitted at the expense of the other.

Let's represent these matches in a table for clarity:

List-I (Interspecies Relationships) List-II (Features) Interaction Type
(A) Commensalism (IV) One species benefits, and the other remains unaffected $(+, 0)$
(B) Mutualism (III) Both the species are benefitted $(+, +)$
(C) Amensalism (II) One species is harmed and the other is unaffected $(-, 0)$
(D) Parasitism (I) One species is benefitted at the expense of the other $(+, -)$

Comparing these pairings to the given options, the correct combination is (A) - (IV), (B) - (III), (C) - (II), (D) - (I).

Revision Table: Key Interspecies Interactions

Relationship Species 1 Species 2 Description Example
Mutualism Benefits $(+)$ Benefits $(+)$ Both species benefit from the interaction. Bees and flowers, Lichens (algae and fungi)
Commensalism Benefits $(+)$ Unaffected $(0)$ One species benefits, the other is neither harmed nor helped. Barnacles on whales, Epiphytic plants on trees
Parasitism Benefits $(+)$ Harmed $(-)$ One species (parasite) benefits at the expense of the other (host). Ticks on mammals, Tapeworms in intestines
Predation Benefits $(+)$ Harmed $(-)$ One species (predator) kills and eats the other species (prey). Lion and zebra, Owl and mouse
Competition Harmed $(-)$ Harmed $(-)$ Both species are harmed as they compete for the same limited resources. Two plant species competing for sunlight
Amensalism Unaffected $(0)$ Harmed $(-)$ One species is unaffected, while the other is harmed. Penicillium mold producing antibiotic that kills bacteria

Additional Information on Species Interactions

Understanding interspecies relationships is fundamental in ecology. These interactions shape community structure, population dynamics, and even evolution. Interactions can be obligate (necessary for survival) or facultative (beneficial but not essential). They can also be direct, involving physical contact, or indirect, mediated through resources or other species.

The types of interactions discussed, like mutualism, commensalism, parasitism, amensalism, and others like competition and predation, represent a spectrum of outcomes for the involved species. Studying these relationships helps ecologists understand biodiversity, ecosystem stability, and the potential impacts of environmental changes.

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Similar Questions

  1. Which of the following equation is correct about Verhulst-Pearl Logistic Growth?

  2. Name the population interaction which takes place when one species is benefitted and another species has no effect (no benefit, no harm).

  3. Identify the incorrect matching from the following population interactions:

    Species ASpecies BInteraction
    ++Mutualism
    +Parasitism
    Predation
    0Amensalism

    (1) +, + → Mutualism

    (2) +, – → Parasitism

    (3) –, – → Predation

    (4) –, 0 → Amensalism

  4. Given below are two statements:

    Statement I: An orchid grows as an epiphyte on a mango branch where the mango tree does not derive any apparent benefit from it.

    Statement II: An orchid growing on a mango tree is an example of commensalism.

    In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  5. Match List-I with List-II:

    List-I (Examples)List-II (Interactions)
    (A) Extinction of Abingdon tortoise after introduction of goats on Galapagos Islands(I) Parasitism
    (B) Infestations of marine fish by copepods(II) Commensalism
    (C) Cattle egret and grazing cattle(III) Mutualism
    (D) Fig tree and wasp(IV) Competition

    Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  6. Select the incorrect pair in response to abiotic factors:

    (1) We maintain a constant body temperature of 37°C – Conformer

    (2) Every winter Keoladeo National Park hosts the birds coming from Siberia – Migration

    (3) Under unfavourable conditions, many zooplankton species in ponds enter the stage of suspended development – Diapause

    (4) If a predator is too efficient, it overexploits its prey – Extinction

  7. In a country, at any time, the population has the same number of young and mature ones. What type of growth does it reflect?

  8. Two closely related species can co-exist indefinitely and violate the Gause’s ‘Competitive Exclusion Principle’ by:


Important Questions from Organisms and Environment

  1. Some of the fresh water fishes commonly found in India are: (A) Hilsa (B) Pomfrets (C) Catla (D) Rohu (E) Common carp

  2. Which of the following does not show parthenogenesis? 

  3. 'Barnacles' growing on the back of a whale is a classical example of:

  4. The interaction between two species where one species benefits and the other is neither benefitted nor harmed is known as:

  5. In a laboratory population of 80 fruit flies, 8 died in a week. What is the death rate of fruit flies?

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