The Condition Called Parasitism is Characterized as A(n)

Question

The condition called parasitism is characterized as a(n)
A) relationship between two organisms where only one member benefits and the other is unharmed.
B) relationship between two organisms where both members benefit.
C) nonsymbiotic relationship.
D) unsuccessful microbial invasion due to the presence of preexisting microbes.
E) relationship between two organisms where one member harms the other.

Accepted Answer

Parasitism is a symbiotic relationship between two organisms where one member (the parasite) benefits at the expense of the other member (the host). The parasite harms the host by feeding on its tissues, fluids, or cells, or by disrupting its normal physiological processes. Therefore, option E, which states that parasitism involves one member harming the other, is the correct choice.