Question

How many of these are correctly matched pairs?
A. Mycorrhizae- ++
B. Cattle egret and grazing cattle- +0
C. Cuckoo- Amensalism
D. Pisaster and starfish.
i) A, B, C are correct
ii) All are correct
iii) C and D are incorrect
iv) A, B, D are correct.

Answer 1

The different populations interact with each other in which they get benefits from each other or are harmed. Interspecific relations arise from the interaction of populations of two different species. They could be beneficial, detrimental, or neutral (neither harm nor benefit) to one of the species or both. Assigning a ‘+’ sign for beneficial, ‘-‘ sign for detrimental and 0 for neutral interaction.

Complete answer:
Various population interactions are described as follows:
Mutualism- This interaction is referred to as in which both the interacting species are benefited from each other. It is symbolized as ++.
Commensalism- It is defined as the interaction between two species in which one species is benefited and the other is neither benefited or harmed. It is symbolized as +0.
Amensalism- Interaction of two species in which one species is harmed and other species remain unaffected. It is symbolized as -0.
Predation- In this one species I.e. prey is harmed and other species I.e. predators are benefited. It is symbolized as +-.
Parasitism- Interaction of two species in which one species lives on other species. It is symbolized as +-.
Mycorrhizae- It shows mutualism with the roots of higher plants. The fungi help the roots of these plants to absorb nutrients from the soil and these plants provide energy-rich carbohydrates to fungi. So this statement is correct.
Cattle egret and grazing cattle- This interaction is an example of commensalism in which cattle egret forage close to place where cattle graze because these cattle while grazing let insects come out of the grass. So this statement is correct.
Cuckoo- Amensalism- it is an example of brood parasitism. The cuckoo eliminates the eggs from nests of other birds and the cuckoo itself gives its egg in those nests. So this statement is incorrect.
Pisaster and starfish- The interaction between both supports structure and species diversity of both the species. This is a correct statement.

So, the correct answer to this question is an option” D” because, among four statements A, B and D are correct.

Note: These interactions are an important part of many species. Natural populations of different species in a habitat do not live in any type of isolation and therefore interact in many ways. These interactions help them to survive.