If '+' sign is assigned to benefited interaction '-' sign to detrimental and '0' sign to neutral interaction, then the population interaction represented by '+' '-' refers to:

Options

A. mutualism
B. Amensalism
C. commensalism
D. parasitism

Answer

To solve the question regarding the population interaction represented by the signs '+' and '-', we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Signs**:
- The '+' sign indicates a beneficial interaction for one organism.
- The '-' sign indicates a detrimental interaction for another organism.
- The '0' sign indicates a neutral interaction where neither organism is affected.

2. **Identifying the Interaction Types**:
- **Mutualism**: Both organisms benefit (+ +).
- **Amensalism**: One organism is harmed, and the other is neutral (- 0).
- **Commensalism**: One organism benefits, and the other is neutral (+ 0).
- **Parasitism**: One organism benefits at the expense of another (- +).

3. **Analyzing the Given Interaction**:
- The interaction represented by '+' and '-' indicates that one organism benefits while the other is harmed.

4. **Determining the Correct Interaction**:
- Among the types of interactions:
- Mutualism is ruled out as it involves both organisms benefiting.
- Amensalism is ruled out as it involves one organism being harmed and the other being neutral.
- Commensalism is ruled out as it involves one organism benefiting and the other being neutral.
- Parasitism fits the description as it involves one organism (the parasite) benefiting and the other (the host) being harmed.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the population interaction represented by '+' and '-' refers to **Parasitism**.