Name: Plant Adaptations in Desert
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 4 min 39 s
Description: Do you know that cacti recruit ants as bodyguards? Cacti can store a huge amount of water! They have spines instead of leaves! They adapt well to the hot des...

Question

Explain Commensalism and mutualism with examples

Accepted Answer

Commensalism is a type of interaction between two organisms in which one is benefited from its partner, and another organism is neither harmed nor benefited. The association between sea anemone and clownfish is an example of commensalism. Sea anemone is a marine predator, whose mouth is surrounded by stinging tentacles. The clownfish swim freely between tentacles of the sea anemone. The tentacles save the clownfishes from predators by killing them with anemone stings. But, the anemone does not appear to get any benefit or harm by hosting the clownfish.

Mutualism is the interaction between two organisms of different species where both partners are benefited. A fascinating example of mutualism is the wasp and specific fig plant. The pollination of certain fig species is carried out by particular wasp species and not by other species. The female wasp uses the fruit as an ovipositor site and uses developing seeds within the fruit to nourish its larvae.

Explain Commensalism and mutualism with examples

Important Questions on Organisms and Populations

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