UPSC Exam  >  UPSC Questions  >  In the context of interspecific interaction, ... Start Learning for Free
In the context of interspecific interaction, which of the following can be considered as examples of mutualism?
  1. Nitrogen-fixing rhizobium bacteria in the roots of leguminous plants.
  2. Birds entering the mouths of crocodiles to remove leeches.
  3. Snakes taking shelter in trees.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    1 and 2 only
  • c)
    2 and 3 only
  • d)
    1, 2 and 3
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
In the context of interspecific interaction, which of the following ca...
  1. Vital processes, such as growth, nutrition, and reproduction depend on the interactions between the individuals of the same species (intra-specific interaction) or between those of different species (interspecific interaction). Plants have interactions with animals and other plants. Animals interact with plants and other animals. 
  2. The relationship between species may be beneficial to both, harmful to both or beneficial or harmful to one and neutral to the other. These interactions can be broadly classified as: 
    • Positive Interactions; and 
    • Negative Interactions 
  3. Positive Interactions: These interactions are beneficial to both parties and are not harmful to anyone species. These include the following: 
  4. Mutualism: Both species are mutually benefited.
    Examples:
    • Lichens: the relationship between algae and fungus. The algae are embedded within the fungus. The algae produce food photosynthetically. Algae depend upon the fungus for water and protection, and in turn, provides food to the fungus.
  5. Commensalism: refers to the association of different species in which the only one of the organisms is benefited, but the other organism is not benefited, or adversely affected under normal conditions.
    Example: Epiphytes, Squirrels, monkeys, tree frogs, snakes use trees or other plants for substratum, shelter or breeding sites. Hence option (b) is the correct answer.
View all questions of this test
Most Upvoted Answer
In the context of interspecific interaction, which of the following ca...
Interspecific Interactions and Mutualism
Interspecific interactions refer to the interactions between different species in an ecological community. These interactions can be classified into different categories, such as mutualism, commensalism, predation, competition, and parasitism. Mutualism is a type of interspecific interaction in which both species involved benefit from the relationship.

Examples of Mutualism
The given options are:

1. Nitrogen-fixing rhizobium bacteria in the roots of leguminous plants.
2. Birds entering the mouths of crocodiles to remove leeches.
3. Snakes taking shelter in trees.

Let's analyze each option to determine whether it represents an example of mutualism or not.

Option 1: Nitrogen-fixing rhizobium bacteria in the roots of leguminous plants
Nitrogen-fixing rhizobium bacteria have a mutualistic relationship with leguminous plants. These bacteria live in the root nodules of legumes and convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use. In return, the plants provide the bacteria with carbohydrates and a suitable habitat. This relationship benefits both the bacteria and the plants, as the bacteria receive a source of energy and the plants receive a vital nutrient (nitrogen) that they cannot obtain from the atmosphere.

Option 2: Birds entering the mouths of crocodiles to remove leeches
This example does not represent mutualism. It is an example of commensalism, where one species benefits while the other is unaffected. In this case, the birds benefit by feeding on leeches, but the crocodiles are not directly affected by the presence of the birds.

Option 3: Snakes taking shelter in trees
Snakes taking shelter in trees is not a clear example of mutualism. It can be considered more as a case of commensalism, where the snakes benefit from the shelter provided by the trees, but the trees are not directly affected by the presence of the snakes.

Therefore, the correct answer is option B, as only the first example represents a clear case of mutualism.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Similar UPSC Doubts

Top Courses for UPSC

In the context of interspecific interaction, which of the following can be considered as examples of mutualism? Nitrogen-fixing rhizobium bacteria in the roots of leguminous plants. Birds entering the mouths of crocodiles to remove leeches. Snakes taking shelter in trees.Select the correct answer using the code given below.a)1 onlyb)1 and 2 onlyc)2 and 3 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
In the context of interspecific interaction, which of the following can be considered as examples of mutualism? Nitrogen-fixing rhizobium bacteria in the roots of leguminous plants. Birds entering the mouths of crocodiles to remove leeches. Snakes taking shelter in trees.Select the correct answer using the code given below.a)1 onlyb)1 and 2 onlyc)2 and 3 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about In the context of interspecific interaction, which of the following can be considered as examples of mutualism? Nitrogen-fixing rhizobium bacteria in the roots of leguminous plants. Birds entering the mouths of crocodiles to remove leeches. Snakes taking shelter in trees.Select the correct answer using the code given below.a)1 onlyb)1 and 2 onlyc)2 and 3 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for In the context of interspecific interaction, which of the following can be considered as examples of mutualism? Nitrogen-fixing rhizobium bacteria in the roots of leguminous plants. Birds entering the mouths of crocodiles to remove leeches. Snakes taking shelter in trees.Select the correct answer using the code given below.a)1 onlyb)1 and 2 onlyc)2 and 3 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for In the context of interspecific interaction, which of the following can be considered as examples of mutualism? Nitrogen-fixing rhizobium bacteria in the roots of leguminous plants. Birds entering the mouths of crocodiles to remove leeches. Snakes taking shelter in trees.Select the correct answer using the code given below.a)1 onlyb)1 and 2 onlyc)2 and 3 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for UPSC. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for UPSC Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of In the context of interspecific interaction, which of the following can be considered as examples of mutualism? Nitrogen-fixing rhizobium bacteria in the roots of leguminous plants. Birds entering the mouths of crocodiles to remove leeches. Snakes taking shelter in trees.Select the correct answer using the code given below.a)1 onlyb)1 and 2 onlyc)2 and 3 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of In the context of interspecific interaction, which of the following can be considered as examples of mutualism? Nitrogen-fixing rhizobium bacteria in the roots of leguminous plants. Birds entering the mouths of crocodiles to remove leeches. Snakes taking shelter in trees.Select the correct answer using the code given below.a)1 onlyb)1 and 2 onlyc)2 and 3 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for In the context of interspecific interaction, which of the following can be considered as examples of mutualism? Nitrogen-fixing rhizobium bacteria in the roots of leguminous plants. Birds entering the mouths of crocodiles to remove leeches. Snakes taking shelter in trees.Select the correct answer using the code given below.a)1 onlyb)1 and 2 onlyc)2 and 3 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of In the context of interspecific interaction, which of the following can be considered as examples of mutualism? Nitrogen-fixing rhizobium bacteria in the roots of leguminous plants. Birds entering the mouths of crocodiles to remove leeches. Snakes taking shelter in trees.Select the correct answer using the code given below.a)1 onlyb)1 and 2 onlyc)2 and 3 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice In the context of interspecific interaction, which of the following can be considered as examples of mutualism? Nitrogen-fixing rhizobium bacteria in the roots of leguminous plants. Birds entering the mouths of crocodiles to remove leeches. Snakes taking shelter in trees.Select the correct answer using the code given below.a)1 onlyb)1 and 2 onlyc)2 and 3 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice UPSC tests.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Top Courses for UPSC

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev