Question

Explain commensalism and mutualism as examples.

Answer 1

There are six types of interspecific interactions or population interactions between organisms of two species. These population interactions are mutualism, commensalism, amensalism, parasitism, competition and predation.

Complete answer:
• Commensalism is a type of interspecific interaction in which one animal species derives benefit, while other animal species is neither benefited or harmed.
Example of commensalism - Interaction between clownfish and sea-anemone.
Clownfish and sea-anemone are both marine animals. Clownfish is a small sized fish which is seen in Indian Ocean, while sea-anemone is a predatory animal. Sea-anemone offers protection to the clownfish from its predator by using its poisonous tentacles. In this social interaction, the clownfish is benefitted whereas sea-anemone is neither benefited or harmed.

• Mutualism is a type of interspecific interaction in which both the animal species derive benefit from each other. This benefit can be in the form of food, protection, shelter or reproduction.
Example of mutualism - Interaction between oxpeckers and cattles.
Large herbivore animals such as cattles get frequently infected by various ectoparasites like ticks, and fleas. A small bird called an oxpecker feeds on these parasites. Oxpeckers are common in South Africa and other parts of Africa. They sit firmly over cattles using their sharp claws and feed directly on ticks and fleas which are present on the skin of cattles. In this mutualistic relationship both the animals get benefit from each other. Oxpecker gets food in the form of parasites, while cattles get freedom from parasites.

Note: Commensalism and mutualism are types of interspecific interactions or population interactions that involve two species of living organisms. Commensalism and mutualism can be seen in plants, animals and even microbes. Commensalism is a relatively rare type of interaction, while mutualism is very common.