Question

An orchid growing as an epiphyte on a mango tree is an example of
A. Parasitism
B. Predation
C. Commensalism
D. Mutualism
E. Competition

Answer 1

Hint: An epiphyte is a plant which grows on the other plant branches and usually gets its moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, water (in marine settings), or detritus that accumulates around it. Angiosperms (flowering plants) make up the bulk of epiphytic plants; they include orchids, tillandsias, and other members of the pineapple family (Bromeliaceae). Mosses, ferns, and liverworts are common epiphytes that may be found in tropical and temperate climates.

Complete solution:
Let us solve this question by analyzing each and every option.
Option:A – Epiphytic plants do not derive their nutrition from the host plant while a parasite always derives its nutrition from the host plant.
So, Option:A is not correct.
Option:B – Epiphytic plants do not kill their host plant to derive its nutrition while in predation a predator kills its prey and feeds on it to acquire its nutrients.
So, Option: B is also not correct.
Option:C - Epiphytes are plants that grow on other plants but do not use their nutrients. As a result, the connection between a mango tree and an orchid is a commensalism, in which one species benefits while the other is unaffected. The orchid benefits from the aforementioned relationship because it receives assistance, whereas the mango tree is unaffected.
So, Option:C is correct.
Option:D – Relationship between an orchid growing on a mango tree branch is not mutualism as in this case only the orchid is benefited which is not the case with mutualism.
So, Option:D is not correct.
Option:E – Orchids and mango trees do not share a competitive relation as the orchids are benefitted as epiphytes on mango trees.
So, Option:E is not correct.

So, Option:C is the correct answer.

Note:
Epiphytic orchids contain pseudobulbs, which are conspicuous, succulent stems that allow plants to survive dry times. They might have thin, deciduous leaves or leathery, permanent leaves. Their root systems are not as large as terrestrial orchids', but they are quite effective at absorbing moisture and nutrients fast. Epiphytic orchids aren't parasites; they don't get their nutrition from their hosts.