Question:medium

In which ecological interaction is one species harmed while the other is unaffected?

Show Hint

Remember the interaction symbols: Mutualism (+/+), Commensalism (+/0), Parasitism (+/−), and Amensalism (−/0).
Updated On: Apr 22, 2026
  • Mutualism
  • Parasitism
  • Commensalism
  • Amensalism
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify the specific type of biological interaction where the impact is negative for one participant and neutral for the other.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the symbols for different interactions (Benefit = +, Harmed = -, Neutral = 0):
- Mutualism (+/+): Both species benefit from each other.
- Parasitism (+/-): One species (parasite) benefits, and the other (host) is harmed.
- Commensalism (+/0): One species benefits, and the other is neither helped nor harmed.
- Amensalism (-/0): One species is inhibited or harmed, while the other is unaffected.
An example of amensalism is the Penicillium fungus producing penicillin, which kills bacteria (harm), while the fungus itself remains unaffected (neutral). Another is a large tree shading out a small plant beneath it.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The interaction is Amensalism.
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