Read the following passage and answer the next five questions:

In nature populations of different species in a habitat do not live in isolation but interact in many ways. Depending on the outcome, these interactions between two species are classified as competition (both species suffer), predation and parasitism (one benefits and the other suffers), commensalism (one benefits and the other is unaffected), amensalism (one is harmed, other unaffected) and mutualism (both species benefit). Predation is a very important process through which trophic energy transfer is facilitated and some predators help in controlling their prey populations. Plants have evolved diverse morphological and chemical defenses against herbivory.

Name the population interaction which takes place when one species is benefitted and another species has no effect (no benefit no harm).

Commensalism

The correct answer is Option (3) → Commensalism

Commensalism refers to an interaction between species where one species benefits while the other is neither harmed nor benefited.
For instance, an orchid growing as an epiphyte on a mango branch and barnacles growing on the back of a whale both derive benefits, while the mango tree and the whale do not appear to be affected positively or negatively.

Another example of commensalism is observed in the relationship between cattle egrets and grazing cattle. In farmed rural areas, these birds can often be seen foraging near grazing cattle. The egrets take advantage of the insects stirred up and flushed out by the cattle as they move, making it easier for the birds to find and capture their prey.

The cattle, however, are not affected by the presence of the egrets. Similarly, the interaction between sea anemones and clownfish demonstrates commensalism. The clownfish find protection among the anemone's stinging tentacles, which deter potential predators. The anemone does not seem to derive any apparent benefit from hosting the clownfish.