Q163 / 180 · AIIMS 2001 · Zoology

Mutualism is found in

  • A
    hemmit crab and sea anemone
  • B
    ox pecker and rhinoceros
  • Correct answer
    C
    zoochlorellae and Hydra
  • D
    E.coli and man.

Solution

Mutualism is an obligatory positive interspecific interaction strongly beneficial to both species. The unicellular photosynthetic algae, called Zoochlorella live symbiotically in the outer tissues of coelenterates. Algae are photosynthetic and produce oxygen and food beneficial to hosts and in exchange they obtain materials like carbon dioxide and nitrogenous wastes released by metabolism of host animals.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'C'.

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