In ecology, which relationship involves one organism releasing a chemical that hinders the growth of another organism?

In ecology, which relationship involves one organism releasing a chemical that hinders the growth of another organism?

• A. Inhibition
• B. Mutualism
• C. Predation
• D. Competition

Answer: (A)

The key idea is interference through chemistry—one organism releases substances that slow the growth or development of a neighboring organism. This kind of interaction is known as inhibition. It’s seen when plants release allelopathic chemicals that suppress nearby seedlings or growth, or when microbes produce antibiotics that hinder competitors. It’s different from mutualism (both benefit), predation (one eats the other), or competition (organisms struggle for the same resources), because inhibition specifically describes chemical interference with another’s growth. That’s why inhibition best fits the scenario.

The key idea is interference through chemistry—one organism releases substances that slow the growth or development of a neighboring organism. This kind of interaction is known as inhibition. It’s seen when plants release allelopathic chemicals that suppress nearby seedlings or growth, or when microbes produce antibiotics that hinder competitors. It’s different from mutualism (both benefit), predation (one eats the other), or competition (organisms struggle for the same resources), because inhibition specifically describes chemical interference with another’s growth. That’s why inhibition best fits the scenario.