Question

While explaining interspecific interaction of population, (+) sign is assigned for beneficial interaction, (-) sign is assigned for detrimental interaction and (0) for neutral interaction. Which of the following interactions can be assigned (+) for one species and (-) for another species involved in the interaction?

• A. Predation
• B. Amensalism
• C. Commensalism
• D. Competition

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

In the study of interspecific interactions, species interact with each other in various ways, which can be classified based on the benefit or detriment they receive from the interaction. Here is a brief exploration of the given options:

• Predation (+,-): In predation, one species, the predator, benefits by obtaining food, while the other species, the prey, is harmed because it gets consumed. Thus, this interaction is characterized by a (+) sign for the predator and a (-) sign for the prey.
• Amensalism (0,-): One species is inhibited or destroyed, while the other species is unaffected. For example, a large tree shading smaller plants.
• Commensalism (+,0): One species benefits, and the other is neither harmed nor helped. An example is barnacles on a whale.
• Competition (-,-): Both species compete for the same resources, which can be detrimental to both as it limits access to resources.

Given this information, it is clear that Predation is the interaction characterized by a (+) for one species (the predator) and a (-) for another species (the prey).