What term describes the ecological interaction where one organism benefits while the other is neither harmed nor benefited (e.g., an orchid growing as an epiphyte on a mango tree)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Commensalism
- Step 1: Symbiotic and ecological population interactions are characterized by fitness impacts: positive (), negative (), or neutral ().
- Step 2: Commensalism is defined as an interspecific relationship in which one population derives nutritional or physical benefit () while the second population is unaffected ().
- Step 3: An epiphytic orchid gains mechanical support, light access, and rain exposure on a tree trunk without extracting moisture, nutrients, or harming the host tree.
Answer
Commensalism.
Why not the others: Primary producers occupy the first trophic level () as autotrophs converting solar energy into biomass; Primary consumers (herbivores) occupy the second trophic level (); Tertiary consumers (apex carnivores) occupy the fourth trophic level ().
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