Question

Differentiate between mutualism, parasitism and commensalism. Provide one example for each of them.

Answer 1

i. Parasitism 

▪ It is the mode of interaction between two species in which one species (parasite) depends on the other species (host) for food and shelter, and in this process damages the host. In this process one organism is benefited (parasite) while the other is being harmed (host). 

▪ The life cycles of some parasites are complex where one or more intermediate host or vectors to facilitate parasitisation are present. 

• The human liver fluke depends on two intermediate hosts, a snail and a fish, to complete its life cycle.

ii. Commensalism 

▪ Commensalism is referred to as the interaction between two species where one species is benefited and the other is neither harmed nor benefited. 

▪ Example of commensalism: 

• An orchid growing as an epiphyte on a mango tree. The orchid gets shelter and nutrition from mango tree while the mango tree is neither benefited nor harmed. 

iii. Mutualism

▪ Mutualism is referred to as the interspecific interaction in which both the interacting species are benefited. 

▪ Example of mutualism 

• Lichens represent close association between fungus and photosynthetic algae or cyanobacteria, where the fungus helps in the absorption of nutrients and provides protection while algae or cyanobacterium prepares the food.

Answer 2

Mutualism is the interaction between two or more organisms where both organisms can benefit from the interaction. An example of mutualism is a Clownfish and a Sea Anemone. ... Commendation is when two species interact and one benefits, but the other organism is neither harmed nor benefited