Which one of the following interactions between two species is incorrectly described?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → In commensalism, both species are benefitted.
Interactions between two species are named by what each partner gains or loses: benefit (+), harm (−) or no effect (0).
(1) In parasitism, one species benefited and the other suffers. — Correctly described. Parasitism is (+/−). The parasite gains and the host is harmed.
(2) In commensalism, both species are benefitted. — Incorrectly described. Commensalism is (+/0). One species benefits and the other is neither harmed nor benefited, as an orchid growing on a mango branch. The interaction in which both gain (+/+) is mutualism.
(3) In amensalism, one is harmed and the other is unaffected. — Correctly described. Amensalism is (−/0).
(4) In competition, both species suffer. — Correctly described. Competition is (−/−). Both species are affected badly when they use the same limited resource.