Which term denotes a parasite-host interaction?

Which term denotes a parasite-host interaction?

• A. Parasitism
• B. Mutualism
• C. Population
• D. Niche

Answer: (A)

The main concept here is the type of ecological interaction between species where one benefits at the expense of the other. This is parasitism. In parasitism, the parasite gains nutrients or a habitat from the host, often harming the host by reducing its fitness, causing disease, or draining resources. Examples include tapeworms in the digestive tract or ticks feeding on blood. This differs from mutualism, where both partners benefit, and from terms like population (a group of individuals of the same species) and niche (the role a species plays in its environment).

The main concept here is the type of ecological interaction between species where one benefits at the expense of the other. This is parasitism. In parasitism, the parasite gains nutrients or a habitat from the host, often harming the host by reducing its fitness, causing disease, or draining resources. Examples include tapeworms in the digestive tract or ticks feeding on blood. This differs from mutualism, where both partners benefit, and from terms like population (a group of individuals of the same species) and niche (the role a species plays in its environment).