Match List-I with List-II

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

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

The correct answer is Option (2) → (A)-(II), (B)-(III), (C)-(IV), (D)-(I)

A. Parasitism : The life cycles of parasites are often complex, involving one or two intermediate hosts or vectors to facilitate parasitisation of its primary host. The human liver fluke (a trematode parasite) depends on two intermediate hosts (a snail and a fish) to complete its life cycle. The malarial parasite needs a vector (mosquito) to spread to other hosts.

B. Commensalism: This is the interaction in which one species benefits and the other is neither harmed nor benefited. 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. The cattle egret and grazing cattle in close association, a sight you are most likely to catch if you live in farmed rural areas, is a classic example of commensalism.

C. 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.

D. Competition can be best defined as a process in which the fitness of one species, as measured by its intrinsic rate of increase ('r'), is significantly lower in the presence of another species. This reduction in fitness can occur even when resources such as food and space are abundant. In general, herbivores and plants appear to be more adversely affected by competition than carnivores.