Question

Differentiate between the following interspecific interactions in a population:

i. Mutualism and Competition

Answer 1

(i)

S.No.	Mutualism	Competition
(i)	This interaction benefits both the interacting species.	In this interaction, both the interacting species suffer negatively
(ii)	The two individuals may be physically or physiologically associated.	There is no physical association between the competitors.
(iii)	E.g., Lichens represent mutualism between fungus and algae where fungus absorbs nutrition and provides protection, and algae prepares food.	E.g., In some American Lakes, visiting flamingoes and resident species compete for their common food.