Question

In the microbial (antibiosis) example of amensalism, which organism serves as the target species?

Options

• Staphylococcus (bacteria)

• Juglans nigra (tree)

• Penicillium (fungus)

• Sorghum (crop plant)

Answer 1

In the classical microbial example, Penicillium (fungus) is the inhibitor species, while Staphylococcus (bacteria) is the target species. Penicillium secretes penicillin, which actively suppresses the growth of Staphylococcus.