Question

Which of the following is an example of commensalism?

• A. Epiphytes
• B. Lichens
• C. Mycorrhizae
• D. All of the above

Hint:

Commensalism is common in nature and helps organisms thrive without negatively affecting their hosts.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understand commensalism.
Commensalism is a type of symbiotic relationship between two organisms in which one organism benefits, while the other is neither helped nor harmed.
Step 2: Review the examples.
- Epiphytes: These are plants that grow on other plants (usually trees) but do not take nutrients from them. They benefit from the support of the host plant for physical access to sunlight, but the host plant is not affected. This is a clear example of commensalism. - Lichens: Lichens are a mutualistic relationship between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria. However, in some cases, lichens can act as commensals when the fungus benefits from the host but does not harm it. - Mycorrhizae: These are symbiotic relationships between fungi and plant roots, where the fungus benefits from nutrients provided by the plant and, in return, helps the plant absorb minerals. While typically mutualistic, in some cases, the plant may not be significantly affected by the fungus, making it a commensal relationship.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Since all of the examples can demonstrate commensalism, the correct answer is (D) All of the above.
Final Answer: All of the above are examples of commensalism.