Question

Brood parasitism is shown by:

• A. Cuckoo laying eggs in crow nest
• B. Orchid on tree
• C. Bacteria in gut
• D. Lichen

Hint:

"Brood" refers to the young of an animal. Brood parasitism = hijacking another organism's parental care.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Brood parasitism is a behavioral parasitism where one species (the parasite) tricks another species (the host) into raising its offspring.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The classic example of brood parasitism is the relationship between the Cuckoo (Koel) and the Crow.
The Cuckoo does not build its own nest or incubate its eggs.
Instead, it lays its eggs in the nest of a host Crow.
The Cuckoo's eggs have evolved to look like the Crow's eggs to avoid detection.
The Crow spends its time and energy incubating the eggs and feeding the Cuckoo's hatchlings, often at the expense of its own chicks.
Evaluation of other options:
(B) Orchid on tree is Commensalism ($+$, $0$).
(C) Bacteria in gut is usually Mutualism ($+$, $+$).
(D) Lichen is an obligate Mutualism ($+$, $+$).

Step 3: Final Answer:
The interaction where a Cuckoo uses a Crow's nest for its offspring is the standard example of brood parasitism.