Epiphytes that are growing on a mango branch is an example of which of the following?
Correct Answer :
Commensalism
Solution :
The correct option is Commensalism.
Step-by-Step Explanation:
1. Understand the Interaction: Epiphytes are plants that grow on the surface of other plants (such as a mango branch) for physical support, access to sunlight, and moisture from the air. They do not penetrate the host tissue or extract nutrients or water directly from the host plant.
2. Evaluate the Impact on the Host: Since the epiphyte only uses the mango branch for support and does not harm, feed on, or compete significantly with the mango tree, the mango tree (host) remains unaffected (neutral benefit/harm, represented as 0).
3. Evaluate the Impact on the Epiphyte: The epiphyte gets a clear benefit (represented as +) by being positioned higher in the canopy, which allows it to receive more sunlight and rain than it would on the forest floor.
4. Identify the Ecological Term: An ecological relationship where one species benefits (+) and the other is neither helped nor harmed (0) is defined as commensalism.
Let's briefly review the other options to understand why they are incorrect:
* Mutualism: A relationship where both interacting species benefit (+, +).
* Predation: A relationship where one species (predator) kills and consumes another species (prey) (+, -).
* Amensalism: A relationship where one species is harmed or inhibited while the other remains unaffected (-, 0).
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