A kind of population interaction in which one species benefits and the other is neither harmed nor benefited?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Commensalism
Option (1) Commensalism — Correct. One species benefits and the other is neither harmed nor benefited (+/0), as with an orchid growing on a mango branch.
Option (2) Amensalism — Incorrect. In amensalism one species is harmed and the other is not affected (−/0).
Option (3) Mutualism — Incorrect. In mutualism both species benefit (+/+), as with lichens or the fig and its wasp.
Option (4) Parasitism — Incorrect. In parasitism the parasite benefits and the host is harmed (+/−).
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2026 on 18-05-2026 (Slot 1), and in CUET (UG) 2023 on 10-06-2023 (Slot 3).
NCERT Extract:
Population Interactions – “… (iv) 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.”