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Question:

If '+' sign is assigned to beneficial interaction, '-' sign to detrimental and '0' sign to neutral interaction, then the population interaction represented by '+' '-' refers to Commensalism, Parasitism, Amensalism, or Mutualism?

Commensalism

Parasitism

Mutualism

Amensalism

Solution:

Commensalism refers to a relationship wherein one organism is benefitted while the other remains unaffected and is denoted by + 0. Amensalism refers to an association wherein one partner is inhibited while the other remains nearly unaffected and is denoted by - 0. Association of organisms which benefits one of the partners at the expense of the other is called parasitism and is denoted by + -. Mutualism is an association of organisms wherein both are benefitted and is denoted by + +. Therefore, the correct answer is Parasitism.