NEETZoologyOrganisms and Populations
In a specific population interaction, species A is benefitted (+), while species B is neither benefitted nor harmed (0). Which of the following ecological examples correctly represents this type of interaction?
Options
- AWasp pollinating a fig inflorescence
- BPhytophagous insects feeding on plant sap
- CBarnacles growing on the back of a whale
- DVisiting flamingoes and resident fishes in a shallow lake
Correct answer
C. Barnacles growing on the back of a whale
Step-by-step solution
The interaction where one species is benefitted (+) and the other is neither benefitted nor harmed (0) is called commensalism. Barnacles growing on the back of a whale is an example of commensalism, as the barnacles benefit by getting a stable substrate and transportation to food-rich waters, while the whale is unaffected. Wasp and fig represent mutualism (+, +). Phytophagous insects and plants represent predation/parasitism (+, -). Flamingoes and resident fishes represent competition (-, -). Answer: Barnacles grow