Question

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

Short answer

The statement that explains parasitism best is (d) One organism is benefited, other is affected.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the concept of parasitism

Parasitism is a type of symbiotic relationship between two organisms where one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of the other (the host). The host is harmed by the relationship, while the parasite gains nutrients, protection, or other benefits.

Examine the options provided

Analyze each option and determine how each relationship is defined. (a) Only mentioning a single organism being benefited without the effect on the other organism, (b) implies mutual benefit which is not parasitism, (c) suggests one organism benefits while the other is not affected which is commensalism, and (d) is the only one that states one organism is benefited while the other is affected negatively, which is the definition of parasitism.

Select the correct statement

Based on the definition of parasitism, the answer that best explains the concept is the one where one organism is benefited and the other is negatively affected.

Key concepts

Symbiotic Relationships

In the realm of ecology, symbiotic relationships are a fascinating study of living organisms and how they interact with each other. Symbiotic relationships refer to the close and often long-term interactions between different biological species. The outcome of these interactions can be beneficial, detrimental, or neutral to the parties involved.

There are three main types of symbiotic relationships:

• Mutualism: where both organisms benefit from the relationship.
• Commensalism: where one organism benefits and the other is unaffected.
• Parasitism: where one organism benefits at the expense of the other, often causing harm.

Parasitism is particularly interesting as it showcases an interaction where the survival of one entity (the parasite) depends on the exploitation of another (the host). This relationship underlines the complexity of ecological interactions and reflects the adaptability of species.

Biology Class 12

In biology class 12, students dive deeper into the intricacies of ecological relationships like parasitism. These topics are crucial in understanding the delicate balance of ecosystems and the role of different species within it. Parasitism is covered under the umbrella of organism interactions that form an integral part of the ecology chapter.

Students are expected to learn the characteristics and examples of different symbiotic relationships. They are also encouraged to comprehend the impact of such interactions on the population dynamics and evolutionary traits of species involved. An advanced understanding of parasitism may include exploring the evolutionary arms race between host defenses and parasite offenses, where both entities evolve mechanisms to outdo each other. Such knowledge is fundamental in comprehending the broader concepts of interdependence and adaptation in the natural world.

Ecological Interactions

Ecological interactions refer to the various ways organisms interact within an ecosystem. These interactions are vital for the stability and functioning of ecosystems and include both intraspecific (within the same species) and interspecific (between different species) interactions.

Some key ecological interactions include:

• Predation: one organism hunts and consumes another.
• Competition: organisms vie for the same resources.
• Amensalism: one organism is inhibited or destroyed while the other remains unaffected.
• Neutralism: neither species significantly affects the other.

Parasitism is an interspecific interaction and has a unique place among these due to its direct and often intimate contact between the parasite and host. It not only affects the individual organisms involved but can have wider implications on community structure and ecological balance. Understanding parasitism and other ecological interactions is crucial for conservation efforts and managing biodiversity.