Epiphyte is an example of

Options

A. predation
B. competition
C. parasitism
D. commensalism

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Epiphytes**: Begin by defining what an epiphyte is. Epiphytes are plants that grow on other plants for physical support. They do not derive nutrients from the host plant but rely on it for structural support.

2. **Examples of Epiphytes**: A common example of an epiphyte is orchids, which often grow on the branches of trees such as mango trees. This illustrates the relationship between epiphytes and their host plants.

3. **Identifying the Type of Interaction**: To classify the relationship between epiphytes and their host plants, we need to consider the nature of their interaction. Since epiphytes do not harm the host plant or take nutrients from it, the host plant remains unaffected.

4. **Classifying the Relationship**: The relationship can be classified into different ecological interactions: predation, competition, parasitism, and commensalism.
- **Predation**: One organism (predator) kills and eats another (prey).
- **Competition**: Two organisms compete for the same resources.
- **Parasitism**: One organism benefits at the expense of the other.
- **Commensalism**: One organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed.

5. **Conclusion**: Since epiphytes like orchids benefit from the support of the host plant without causing any harm or taking nutrients, the interaction is classified as commensalism. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that an epiphyte is an example of commensalism.

**Final Answer**: Epiphyte is an example of commensalism.

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