Question

Select the statement which explains best parasitism. (a) One organism is benefited. (b) Both the organisms are benefited. (c) One organism is benefited, the other is not affected. (d) One organism is benefited, the other is affected.

Answer 1

(d) One organism is benefited, other is affected. 

Parasitism is an interaction between two species, in which one species (parasite) benefits from the other. The other species (host) is harmed. For example, ticks and lice (parasites) can be found on the body. This means there is an interaction between parasites and the human body, from which ticks and parasites receive benefit (as they are Feeding on human blood). On the other hand, these parasites reduce host fitness and cause harm to the human body.