Epiphytic orchids grow harmlessly on their host trees, and derive their resources from the air and from rain, rather than from their host plant. Which of the following is the best description of this species interaction?

A) herbivory

B) competition

C) parasitism

D) commensalism

Question

Biology

Mariana Rosales

10 December, 02:14

Epiphytic orchids grow harmlessly on their host trees, and derive their resources from the air and from rain, rather than from their host plant. Which of the following is the best description of this species interaction?

A) herbivory

B) competition

C) parasitism

D) commensalism

+2

Answers (2)

Know the Answer?

German Cantu · Answer 1

The answer is D, because while the orchids benefit from the interaction, the tree is unnaffected

Diamond Huff · Answer 2

Answer: Option D

Explanation:

Commensalism refers to a biological association where two organisms are sharing the same environment and one species benefits and the other is unaffected.

For example: Barnacles on whales; Epiphytic orchids on fruit trees

The epiphytic orchids gains by deriving support from the fruit trees, while the fruit tree neither gains nor losses

Epiphytic orchids grow harmlessly on their host trees, and derive their resources from the air and from rain, rather than from their host plant. Which of the following is the best description of this species interaction?A) herbivoryB) competitionC) parasitismD) commensalism

Epiphytic orchids grow harmlessly on their host trees, and derive their resources from the air and from rain, rather than from their host plant. Which of the following is the best description of this species interaction?

A) herbivory

B) competition

C) parasitism

D) commensalism