Mutualism indicates:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Both organisms are benefitted.
In a population interaction, two species affect each other in a positive (+), negative (−) or neutral (0) way. In mutualism both species benefit (+ +). Lichens, which are a fungus living with an alga or a cyanobacterium, and the mycorrhizae of fungi with roots are examples.
(1) One organism is benefitted. — Incorrect. In mutualism both partners gain, so this is not the whole picture. A relationship in which only one partner gains is not mutualism.
(2) Both organisms are benefitted. — Correct. This is the definition of mutualism.
(3) One organism is benefitted and other is unaffected — Incorrect. This is commensalism (+ 0).
(4) One organism is benefitted and other is harmed. — Incorrect. This is predation or parasitism (+ −).
NCERT Extract:
Population Interactions – …
