Question

A species interaction in which one species benefits but the other species is unharmed is called a. mutualism. b. amensalism. c. parasitism. d. commensalism. e. mimicry.

Short answer

The species interaction in which one species benefits but the other species is unharmed is called 'Commensalism'.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Each Option

Firstly, understand the definitions of each type of species interaction: \n\na. Mutualism: A type of interaction where both species benefit. \n\nb. Amensalism: A type of interaction where one species is harmed while the other is unaffected. \n\nc. Parasitism: A type of interaction where one species benefits at the expense of the other. \n\nd. Commensalism: A type of interaction where one species benefits and the other is unharmed. \n\ne. Mimicry: A type of interaction involving resemblance of one species by another, but doesn't describe whether there is harm or benefit to either species.

Match Definition with the Question

The question describes an interaction where one species benefits, while the other is unharmed. Comparing this with the definitions from Step 1, it is clear that this species interaction is described by 'Commensalism'.

Key concepts

Mutualism

Mutualism is a fascinating form of species interaction where both parties involved benefit from the relationship. This type of interaction highlights a cooperative exchange, essential for the survival and success of both species.
Think of bees and flowers as a classic example. Bees collect nectar from flowers to make honey, benefiting by securing food. Simultaneously, as bees move between flowers, they help in pollination, crucial for the plant's reproduction.
Mutualistic relationships can be:

• Obligate Mutualism: Essential for the survival of both species involved, such as certain fungi and plants.
• Facultative Mutualism: Beneficial but not essential, providing advantages if present but survival is possible without it.

Mutualism exemplifies how cooperation can be an evolutionary strategy, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem stability.

Amensalism

Amensalism describes a biological interaction where one species is negatively impacted, while the other remains unaffected. This interaction can often seem like a byproduct rather than an intentional aim of one species.
An example would be a large tree preventing sunlight from reaching smaller plants beneath its canopy. The tree is unaffected by their presence, while the smaller plants struggle for sunlight and may wane or die.
The impact in amensalism:

• Competition-Based Amensalism: Larger species outcompete smaller ones in a resource-limited environment.
• Chemical-Based Amensalism: Some plants release allelochemicals into the soil, hindering the growth of neighboring plants.

Though less discussed, amensalism offers insight into competitive aspects of ecology and species interactions.

Parasitism

Parasitism is a distinct and often detrimental form of species interaction. Here, one organism, the parasite, benefits by deriving nutrients at the host’s expense. Unlike predators, parasites generally do not kill their host quickly.
An instance of parasitism includes ticks feeding on the blood of mammals. The tick gains sustenance, whereas the host might suffer from blood loss and possible disease transmission.
Types of parasitism include:

• Endoparasitism: Parasites, such as tapeworms, live inside the host.
• Ectoparasitism: Parasites, like lice, live on the body surface of the host.

Parasitism plays a crucial role in controlling population dynamics and can have significant health impacts on the host species.

Commensalism

Commensalism is an intriguing interaction where one species benefits while the other remains unaffected. It showcases nature's harmony where some species derive advantages without impacting others.
A well-known example is barnacles growing on the shell of a turtle. Barnacles gain transportation to different feeding areas, yet the turtle is not hindered or harmed.
Characteristics of commensalism include:

• It often involves transportation benefits, as seen in barnacle and turtle interactions.
• Physical space, like birds nesting in trees without harming them, is another aspect.

Commensalism illustrates the complexity of ecosystems, revealing how organisms can closely interact without adverse effects.

Mimicry

Mimicry represents the fascinating art of resemblance in the natural world, where one species imitates another. It plays a pivotal role in survival tactics, either for protection or predation.
Mimicry variations include:

• Batesian Mimicry: Harmless species imitate the warning signals of a harmful species to avoid predators. For example, some non-toxic butterflies mimic the coloration of toxic species.
• Müllerian Mimicry: Two or more harmful species resemble each other, reinforcing avoidance behavior in predators. An example includes different species of stinging bees and wasps.

Mimicry showcases evolutionary ingenuity, allowing organisms to navigate their environments using appearances strategically.