Final answer:
A cyclic relationship between host and parasite populations, known as predator-prey cycling, occurs due to the interplay between predator consuming prey and prey reproducing to replenish their population.
Step-by-step explanation:
A cyclic relationship between host and parasite populations is commonly observed in nature. This relationship is known as predator-prey cycling, where the prey population fluctuates in size as the predator population follows a mirror image cycle. The fluctuations occur due to the interplay between predator consuming prey and prey reproducing to replenish their population. For example, when the prey population increases, more food is available for predators, leading to an increase in predator population. As the predator population grows, they consume more prey, which eventually leads to a decrease in prey population. With fewer prey available, predator population declines, allowing prey population to recover, and the cycle continues.