NEETZoologyOrganisms and Populations
In an ecosystem, the cattle egret and grazing cattle are often found in close association. As the cattle move, they stir up and flush out insects from the vegetation, which are then consumed by the egrets. If we assign a ' + ' sign for a beneficial interaction, a ' - ' sign for a detrimental one, and a ' 0 ' for a neutral interaction, what signs would correctly represent the interaction for the cattle egret and the g
Options
- A(+, +)
- B(+, 0)
- C(+, -)
- D(-, 0)
Correct answer
B. (+, 0)
Step-by-step solution
The interaction between the cattle egret and grazing cattle is a classic example of commensalism. In this interaction, the cattle egret benefits by easily catching the insects flushed out by the movement of the cattle. Therefore, the egret is assigned a ' + ' sign. The grazing cattle, on the other hand, are neither harmed nor benefited by the presence of the egrets. Thus, the cattle are assigned a ' 0 ' sign. Hence, the signs for the cattle egret and the grazing cattle, respectively, are (+, 0) . Answer: (+, 0)