Question

A sedentary sea anemone gets attached to the shell lining of a hermit crab. The association is

• A. Ectoparasitism
• B. Symbiosis
• C. Commensalism
• D. Amensalism

Hint:

Hermit crab + sea anemone is a classic example of \textbf{mutualism (symbiosis)}.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: A sea anemone attached to the shell of a hermit crab gains:

Transportation to food-rich areas
Access to food particles from the crab’s meals

Step 2: The hermit crab gains:

Protection from predators due to the stinging cells (nematocysts) of the sea anemone

Step 3: Since both organisms benefit from this association, the relationship is a type of mutualism.
Step 4: Mutualism is a form of symbiosis.