Q96 / 200 · MHT CET - Medical 2026 (23 April Shift 2) · Biology
Which of the following associations is NOT an example of commensalism?
- AInteraction between sea anemone that has stinging tentacles and the clown fish that lives among them
- BEpiphytic Orchid on Mango tree
- CCattle egret and grazing cattle
- Correct answerDTick on Dog
Solution
Commensalism is an interaction between two species where one species benefits and the other is neither harmed nor benefited.
The interaction between a sea anemone and a clown fish is commensalism, as the clown fish gets protection from predators while the sea anemone is unaffected.
An epiphytic orchid growing on a mango tree is commensalism, as the orchid gets physical support while the mango tree is unaffected.
The association between cattle egrets and grazing cattle is commensalism, as the egrets feed on insects flushed out by the cattle, while the cattle are unaffected.
A tick on a dog is an example of parasitism, not commensalism, because the tick benefits by deriving nourishment (blood) from the dog, while the dog is harmed.
Answer: Tick on Dog
The interaction between a sea anemone and a clown fish is commensalism, as the clown fish gets protection from predators while the sea anemone is unaffected.
An epiphytic orchid growing on a mango tree is commensalism, as the orchid gets physical support while the mango tree is unaffected.
The association between cattle egrets and grazing cattle is commensalism, as the egrets feed on insects flushed out by the cattle, while the cattle are unaffected.
A tick on a dog is an example of parasitism, not commensalism, because the tick benefits by deriving nourishment (blood) from the dog, while the dog is harmed.
Answer: Tick on Dog
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'D'.