The interaction, when an orchid growing on mango branch, is known as:

The correct answer is Option (2) → Commensalism

In commensalism one species benefits and the other is neither harmed nor benefited. An orchid grows on a mango branch as an epiphyte. The orchid gets support and light, and the mango tree gets no apparent benefit.

(1) Parasitism — Incorrect. Here one species gains at the cost of the other. The orchid does not feed on the mango tree.

(2) Commensalism — Correct. The orchid benefits, and the mango is unaffected.

(3) Mutualism — Incorrect. Here both species gain. The mango gains nothing.

(4) Predation — Incorrect. Here one species kills and eats the other. The orchid does not eat the tree.

Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2026 on 29-05-2026 (Slot 2).

NCERT Extract:
Population Interactions – …