Read the given examples of animal interactions.
(i) An orchid growing as an epiphyte on a mango branch.
(ii) Barnacles growing on the back of a whale.
(iii) Clown fish living among the stinging tentacles of sea anemone.
(iv) Cattle egrets foraging close to the grazing cattle. Which kind of interaction is being cited by these ?

Options

A. Competition
B. Amensalism
C. Mutualism
D. Commensalism

Answer

D

Explanation

When two or more animals live together and is there is no physiological dependence between them, they are referred to as commensals and the relationship between such organisms is called commensalism. In commensalsim, one animal might get the benefit from the association while the other is neither benefitted nor harmed. The advantages derived by the commensal involve the provision of substratum, shelter, transport and food.