Comprehension

Read the following passage and answer the next five questions:
Species interaction and productivity are two important components of any given ecosystem. In an ecosystem, interspecific interactions arise from the interaction of populations of two different species. Such interactions could be beneficial to both species, harmfulto both species, beneficial to one and harmful to the other, or vice-versa. There are also cases where only one species is harmed or benefitted, while the other remains unaffected. On the other hand, the productivity of an ecosystem starts with photosynthesis by green plants and is measured as the amount of biomass produced over a period of time. Such biomass becomes available for consumption to heterotrophs.

Question: 1

The available biomass for consumption to herbivores and decomposers is often referred to as:

Updated On: Mar 28, 2025
  • Primary production
  • Gross primary productivity
  • Net primary productivity
  • Secondary productivity
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

  • Net primary productivity (NPP) represents the biomass available for herbivores and decomposers after accounting for plant respiration (NPP = GPP - respiration).
  • Primary production (1) is a general term, while gross primary productivity (GPP) (2) is the total photosynthesis output (not accounting for respiration).
  • Secondary productivity (4) refers to biomass generated by heterotrophs (consumers), not plants.
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Question: 2

Rate of production of organic matter during photosynthesis is referred to as:

Updated On: Mar 28, 2025
  • Primary production
  • Gross primary productivity
  • Net primary productivity
  • Standing crop
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

  • Gross primary productivity (GPP) measures the total organic matter produced via photosynthesis, before accounting for plant respiration.
  • Primary production (1) is a broader term that includes both GPP and NPP.
  • Standing crop (4) refers to the total biomass present at a given time, not the production rate.
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Question: 3

Which of the following are correct for the interaction between sea anemone that has stinging tentacles and clownfish

Updated On: Mar 28, 2025
  • Both species are benefitted
  • Both are harmed
  • One is harmed and the other benefitted
  • One is benefitted and the other remains unaffected
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

  • Clownfish and sea anemones share a mutualistic relationship (both benefit):
  • The clownfish gains protection from predators (anemone’s stinging tentacles don’t harm it).
  • The anemone benefits from nutrients (clownfish waste) and protection from polyp-eating fish.
  • This is a classic example of obligate mutualism in marine ecosystems.
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Question: 4

The species interaction in which both interacting species are harmed is referred to as:

Updated On: Mar 28, 2025
  • Predation
  • Parasitism
  • Competition
  • Mutualism
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

  • Competition occurs when species vie for the same limited resources (e.g., food, space), leading to reduced fitness for both.
  • Predation (1) and parasitism (2) benefit one species at the expense of the other.
  • Mutualism (4) benefits both species, the opposite of the question’s scenario.
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Question: 5

Mycorrhizal association between fungi and the roots of higher plants is best referred to as:

Updated On: Mar 28, 2025
  • Commensalism
  • Amensalism
  • Mutualism
  • Competition
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

  • In mycorrhizal associations, fungi and plant roots both benefit:
  • Fungi receive carbohydrates from the plant.
  • Plants gain enhanced nutrient absorption (especially phosphorus) via fungal hyphae.
  • Commensalism (1) would imply only one species benefits, while amensalism (2) and competition (4) are irrelevant here.
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