Q.Explain mutualism and commensalism with suitable examples, bringing out the difference between the two.

[!TLDR] Mutualism benefits both species (fig-wasp); commensalism benefits one while the other is unaffected (orchid on mango tree). …

Mutualism is an interaction in which both species benefit. The fig-wasp relationship is the classic example: a specific wasp species is the exclusive pollinator of its fig species. The female wasp enters the fig's enclosed inflorescence to lay eggs, pollinating the flowers inside; her larvae develop within some of the fig's own developing fruit tissue. Neither partner can complete its life cycle without the other, making this an obligate, tightly coupled mutualism.

Commensalism is an interaction in which one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed. An orchid growing epiphytically on a mango tree's branch illustrates this: the orchid gains physical support and better light access from its elevated position, while the mango tree derives no benefit and suffers no harm, since the orchid draws no nutrients from the mango's tissues. …