Question: 97. Epiphytes that are growing on a mango branch is an example of which of the following?
(1) Commensalism
(2) Mutualism
(3) Predation
(4) Amensalism
Answer: Option (1)
Explanation:
Epiphytes are plants that grow on other plants for physical support without deriving nutrition from them.
In this relationship, the epiphyte benefits by getting better access to light and air.
The host plant, such as the mango tree, is neither helped nor harmed by the epiphyte.
Such an interaction where one organism benefits and the other is neither harmed nor benefited is called commensalism.
In mutualism, both organisms benefit, which is not the case here.
Predation involves one organism feeding on another.
Amensalism involves one organism being harmed while the other remains unaffected.
Hence, epiphytes growing on a mango branch exhibit commensalism.