Question

Cuscuta is an example of

• A. ectoparasitism
• B. brood parasitism
• C. predation
• D. endoparasitism

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Cuscuta is a total stem parasite which is a good example of ectoparasitism. It is commonly found growing on hedge plants. It has lost chlorophyll and leaves in the course of evolution. It attaches and wraps itself around the stem of host plant and produces haustoria that gets inserted into the vascular system of host. The parasitic plant sucks all the nutrients from the host plant with the help of haustoria. Cuscuta is known to receive even the flower inducing hormone or florigen from the host.

The other relationships mentioned above are not seen in Cascuta. 

• Brood Parasitism - It is a type of parasitism shown by birds. In this, birds like cuckoo lay their eggs in the nest of another bird who then nourishes and hatches the egg. 
• Predation - In predation, an organism is killed and eaten by another organism. It involves the transfer of energy from prey to the predator. 
• Endoparasitism - It is type of parasitism in which an organism grow and reproduces inside the body of another organism (host). It is shown by tapeworms, nematodes etc. 

Answer 2

Cuscuta, commonly known as dodder or strangle weed, is a parasitic plant that belongs to the family Cuscutaceae. It is a unique type of plant parasite that lacks chlorophyll and is unable to photosynthesize. Instead, it relies on other plants for its nutritional needs.

Cuscuta is considered an ectoparasite because it attaches itself to the host plant by winding its stem around the stems or branches of the host. It forms specialized structures called haustoria that penetrate the host's tissues to extract water, nutrients, and carbohydrates from the host's vascular system. The haustoria establish connections with the host's xylem and phloem, allowing the Cuscuta plant to directly obtain nutrients and water from the host plant.