Question

Which of the following statements explains parasitism?

• A. Only one organism is benefitted
• B. Both organisms are benefitted
• C. Both organisms are harmed
• D. Neither of both the organisms is benefitted or harmed

Hint:

Recall the +/-/0 scoring used to classify population interactions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Population interactions between two species are classified by whether each partner is helped (+), harmed (−), or unaffected (0). Parasitism is one such interspecific interaction.

Step 2: Applying it to Parasitism:
In parasitism, the parasite lives on or inside a host and derives nourishment from it, so the parasite is benefitted; the interaction is defined at this basic level by only one of the two organisms gaining an advantage.