When an orchid growing as an epiphyte on a mango branch, the type of interaction is:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Commensalism
Interactions between two species are named by what each partner gets: benefit (+), harm (−) or neither (0).
(1) Mutualism — Incorrect. Both species benefit (+ +), as in lichens or the fungus and the roots in mycorrhiza. The mango tree gets no benefit from the orchid.
(2) Commensalism — Correct. In commensalism one species benefits and the other is neither harmed nor benefited (+ 0). The orchid gets a place to grow and light. The mango tree is not affected.
(3) Predation — Incorrect. The predator kills and eats the prey (+ −). The orchid does not feed on the tree.
(4) Competition — Incorrect. Both species lose when they compete for the same resource (− −). Here neither is harmed.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2026 on 24-05-2026 (Slot 1).
NCERT Extract:
Population Interactions – …
