Question

A parasite is an organism that lives on or in another, usually larger organism called a host.

While the host may provide food or safety, it gets nothing in return from the parasite.
Tapeworms or ringworms are parasites sometimes found in humans.
Unlike a parasitic relationship, a symbiotic relationship is between two organisms of
different species in which one or both of the organisms may benefit or be neutrally affected.
For example, the tiny bacteria in your stomach have a symbiotic relationship with you: You
supply them with food, and they help break down your food and supply you with vitamins
that your body can't produce on its own.

In a symbiotic relationship,
A. one organism benefits while its host gets nothing in return.
B. bacteria takes food from your stomach, but does nothing for you.
C. both organisms involved benefit or are neutrally affected.
D. your body produces vitamins and then uses them for nutrition.

Answer 1

The correct answer is C, where both organisms involved in a symbiotic relationship benefit or are neutrally affected, which differs from parasitism where the parasite harms the host.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a symbiotic relationship, the correct answer is C. both organisms involved benefit or are neutrally affected. Unlike parasitism, where the parasite benefits at the expense of the host, symbiosis includes relationships such as mutualism, where both parties gain something, and commensalism, where one benefits without harming the other. The example provided of gut bacteria is a case of mutualism, as the bacteria help in digesting food and producing vitamins while receiving a habitat and nutrients. The bacteria help break down food and supply the host with vitamins it cannot produce on its own, while the host supplies the bacteria with food.