Question

The process where a population inhibits the growth of other population without affecting itself is known as
A. Amensalism
B. Parasitism
C. Mutualism
D. Commensalism

Answer 1

Population refers to the group of individuals from a single species that occupy a certain geographical area. The members of a population share or compete with each other and with other organisms for resources. Due to this reason, several organisms interact with other organisms in different ways which are either beneficial, neutral, or harmful to a single organism or both the organisms.

Complete answer:
Amensalism – It is an interaction between two organisms of different species in which one species inhibits the growth of another species by secreting certain types of chemicals. This phenomenon is known as allelopathy, or biological antagonism, or antibiosis. The organism that inhibits the growth of another organism is known as an amensal.
Parasitism – It is an interaction between two organisms of different species in which one organism is benefited and another organism is harmed. The organism that is benefitted is known as the parasite and the organism that is harmed is known as the host. The parasite is detrimental to the growth of the host.
Mutualism – It is an interaction between two organisms of different species in which both organisms are benefited from the presence of one another. This is an obligate association. Both the organisms cannot survive individually without the presence of each other.
Commensalism – It is an interaction between two organisms of different species in which one species is benefitted whereas another species is neutral, which means that it is neither benefited nor harmed. The species that is benefitted is known as the commensal. The neutral species is known as the host.
Thus, based on the above information we can conclude that the process where a population inhibits the growth of other populations without affecting itself is known as Amensalism.
Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Note: Some common examples of Amensalism are fungus Penicillium secrete the chemical penicillin that inhibits the growth of various kinds of bacteria, the roots of the plant of black walnut secrete a chemical known as the juglone. This chemical is toxic to other plants like alfalfa, apple, etc., the growth of wheat is inhibited by Convolvulus arvensis.