0
You visited us 0 times! Enjoying our articles? Unlock Full Access!
Question

Explain commensalism and mutualism with example.

Solution
Verified by Toppr

Commensalism: This is the interaction in which one species benefits and the other is neither harmed nor benefitted. An orchid growing as an epiphyte on a mango branch, and barnacles growing on the back of a whale benefit while neither the mango tree nor the whale derives any apparent benefit.
Mutualism: This interaction confers benefits on both the interacting species. Lichens represent an intimate mutualistic relationship between a fungus and photosynthesising algae or cyanobacteria. Similarly, the mycorrhizae are associations between fungi and the roots of higher plants. The fungi help the plant in the absorption of essential nutrients from the soil while the plant in turn provides the fungi with energy-yielding carbohydrates.

Was this answer helpful?
6
Similar Questions
Q1
Explain commensalism and mutualism with example.
View Solution
Q2
Explain mutualism with the help of any two examples. How is it different from commensalism?
View Solution
Q3
Differentiate between mutualism, parasitism and commensalism. Provide one example for each of them.
View Solution
Q4
Give an example of parasitism, commensalism, and mutualism, and show that it is not always easy to distinguish between these relationships.
View Solution
Q5

Define the following terms and give one example for each:

(a) Commensalism

(b) Parasitism

(c) Camouflage

(d) Mutualism

(e) Interspecific competition

View Solution