Population Interactions - Mutualism, Commensalism - Unsolved Practice Set
Chapter: Organisms and Populations | Topic: Population Interactions Mutualism Commensalism
POPULATION INTERACTIONS - MUTUALISM, COMMENSALISM - UNSOLVED PRACTICE SET
Topic: Population Interactions Mutualism Commensalism
Multiple Choice Questions
Q1. Mutualism is a type of interspecific interaction in which:
- Both interacting species benefit from the relationship
- One species benefits while the other is harmed
- One species benefits while the other is unaffected
- Both species are harmed
Q2. Lichens, often used as a classic example of mutualism, represent a close association between:
- Two animal species
- A fungus and an alga (or cyanobacterium)
- Two unrelated bacterial species
- A plant and an insect only
Q3. The relationship between flowering plants and their insect pollinators is generally considered an example of:
- Commensalism
- Mutualism, as both the plant and insect typically benefit
- Parasitism
- Amensalism
Q4. Commensalism is a type of interspecific interaction in which:
- Both species benefit equally
- One species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed
- One species is harmed while the other benefits
- Both species are harmed
Q5. The relationship between an orchid growing on the branch of a large tree, without harming the tree, is commonly cited as an example of:
- Mutualism
- Commensalism
- Parasitism
- Predation
Short Answer Questions
Q6. Define mutualism, and give one suitable example.
Q7. Define commensalism, and give one suitable example.
Q8. Explain why lichens are considered a classic example of mutualism, describing the roles of the two organisms involved.
Q9. How does commensalism differ from mutualism in terms of the benefit received by each species involved?
Long Answer Questions
Q10. Discuss mutualism as a form of interspecific interaction, explaining with examples how both species involved benefit from the relationship.
Q11. Discuss commensalism as a form of interspecific interaction, explaining with examples why only one species benefits while the other remains largely unaffected.
APPLICATION / ANALYSIS
Q12. A species of fig tree relies entirely on a specific species of wasp for pollination, while the wasp in turn depends on the fig tree's flowers as a site to lay its eggs and for its larvae to develop. Identify the type of interspecific interaction this represents, and explain your reasoning.
Q13. Cattle egrets are often seen following grazing cattle in a field, catching insects that are disturbed and stirred up as the cattle move and feed. Explain why this relationship is generally classified as commensalism rather than mutualism, considering the effect (or lack of effect) on the cattle.