Match the LIST-I with LIST-II
| LIST-I | LIST-II |
|---|---|
| Population interactions | Examples |
| A. Competition | I. Cuscuta |
| B. Parasitism | II. Sea anemone |
| C. Commensalism | III. Mycorrhizae |
| D. Mutualism | IV. Balanus |
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III
(A) Competition — this matches (IV) Balanus. On the rocky sea coast of Scotland, the larger barnacle Balanus competes with the smaller barnacle Chthamalus for space. It wins and drives the smaller one out of the intertidal area.
(B) Parasitism — this matches (I) Cuscuta. Cuscuta is a parasitic plant. It takes its food from the host plant and harms it.
(C) Commensalism — this matches (II) Sea anemone. The clown fish that lives among the stinging tentacles of the sea anemone gets protection from predators. The anemone gets no benefit and is not harmed.
(D) Mutualism — this matches (III) Mycorrhizae. The fungus helps the plant absorb phosphorus, and the plant gives the fungus food. Both gain.
Note: Balanus could fit two entries of List-I. Barnacles growing on the back of a whale are an NCERT example of commensalism, and the competition of Balanus with Chthamalus is an NCERT example of competition. The sea anemone fits only commensalism, so C takes it and Balanus is left for competition. Option (4) is the only option consistent with this.