Identify the correct statements from the following:

A. In amensalism, both species involved benefit from the interaction.

B. Cattle egrets and grazing cattle exhibit a commensal relationship.

C. Ectoparasites live inside the host’s body, causing harm to the host.

D. The relationship between aphids and plants is an example of ectophytoparasitism.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

B and D are correct.

The correct answer is Option (4) - B and D are correct.

In amensalism on the other hand one species is harmed whereas the other is unaffected.

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, is a classic example of commensalism.

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.

Parasitism is generally defined as a relationship between the two living species in which one organism is benefitted at the expense of the other. The organism that is benefitted is called the parasite, while the one that is harmed is called the host. Endoparasites are those that live inside the host body at different sites (liver, kidney, lungs, red blood cells, etc.). The life cycles of endoparasites are more complex because of their extreme specialisation. Example: Ascaris and human. Ectoparasites are those that feed on the external surface of the host organism.  Ectophytoparasites live on plants. For example:- aphids, lac insects and red cotton bugs.