Question

Two insect species were used in a laboratory experiment. For one treatment, both species were grown by themselves (in separate chambers) on a suitable food source. For the second treatment, the two species were grown together (in the same chamber) on the same type and amount of food as in the first treatment. The given figure shows the results (the number of individuals of each species in the two treatments) at the end of the experiment : Based on these results the two species should be classified as

• A. competitors
• B. mutualists
• C. predators or pathogens
• D. commensalists

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

mutualists

Answer 2

The given data shows that the insect species $A$ and $B$ are mutualists. Mutualism is an interaction between two organisms of different species where both the partners are benefitted from each other. Species $A$ when grown alone showed less number of individuals, however, its population increased when grown along with species $B$. Similar observations were made for species $B$. Hence, it can be concluded that they exhibit mutualism.