Question

Between which among the following, the relationship is not an example of common symbiosis?

• A. Orchid and the tree on which it grows
• B. Cattle egret and grazing cattle
• C. Sea anemone and clownfish
• D. Female wasp and fig species

Hint:

Symbiosis encompasses diverse relationships like mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism. Examples include species interactions benefiting both (mutualism) or one (commensalism) while harming none.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding symbiosis and its examples.

Symbiosis refers to a close and long-term biological interaction between two different biological organisms, which can be mutualistic, commensalistic, or parasitic. The question asks for an example where the relationship is not a typical case of symbiosis.

- Option (A): Orchid and the tree on which it grows represent commensalism. Orchids grow on trees to access sunlight but do not harm the tree.

- Option (B): Cattle egret and grazing cattle represent mutualism, as cattle stir up insects for the egret to feed on.

- Option (C): Sea anemone and clownfish is mutualistic. Clownfish get protection from predators, and anemones get nutrients from the waste of the clownfish.

- Option (D): Female wasp and fig species is not a general symbiosis example but represents a specialized mutualistic relationship for reproduction (pollination).

Step 2: Conclusion.

While all options describe ecological interactions, (D) is a highly specific reproductive mutualism case, not a common example of general symbiosis. Hence, it is the correct answer.