Question

Amensalism can be represented as :

• A. Species A (+) ; Species B (0)
• B. Species A (−) ; Species B (0)
• C. Species A (+) ; Species B (+)
• D. Species A (−) ; Species B (−)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The concept of amensalism is crucial in understanding specific ecological relationships between different species. Let's break down the options to understand the correct answer:

1. Understanding Amensalism:
   • In amensalism, one species is inhibited or destroyed while the other remains unaffected.
   • This relationship is expressed with the notation: Species A (−) ; Species B (0).
   • Here, Species A experiences a negative interaction (−), while Species B is unaffected (0).
2. Analyzing Options:
   • Species A (+) ; Species B (0): This indicates Species A benefits while Species B is unaffected. This is not amensalism, as one species isn't harmed.
   • Species A (−) ; Species B (0): This is the correct representation of amensalism as explained above, where Species A is negatively impacted, and Species B remains unaffected.
   • Species A (+) ; Species B (+): This describes mutualism, where both species benefit, which is not relevant to amensalism.
   • Species A (−) ; Species B (−): Indicates a competitive interaction where both species negatively impact each other, not one remaining unaffected as in amensalism.
3. Conclusion:
   • The only option that correctly describes amensalism is Species A (−) ; Species B (0).

Therefore, the correct answer is: Species A (−) ; Species B (0).