NEETZoologyOrganisms and Populations
Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): The interaction between sea anemone and clownfish is an example of mutualism. Reason (R): The clownfish gets protection from predators by hiding in the stinging tentacles, while the sea anemone does not derive any apparent benefit. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer fro
Options
- ABoth (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
- BBoth (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
- C(A) is true but (R) is false
- D(A) is false but (R) is true
Correct answer
D. (A) is false but (R) is true
Step-by-step solution
Assertion (A) is false because the interaction between a sea anemone and a clownfish is an example of commensalism, not mutualism. In mutualism, both species benefit, whereas in commensalism, one benefits and the other is unaffected. Reason (R) is true because the clownfish gains protection from its predators by living among the stinging tentacles of the sea anemone, while the sea anemone does not appear to derive any benefit from hosting the clownfish. Therefore, (A) is false but (R) is true. Answer: (A) is false