Question

Toxoplasma is a protist that must infect cats to be able to reproduce. The infection doesn’t benefit cats and only rarely harms them. What type of symbiotic relationship is this, and why?

Answer 1

Answer: Parasitism

Explanation: There is no benefit to the cat and there is only a benefit to the toxoplasma.

Answer 2

The correct answer is : parasitism.

Step-by-step explanation:

Parasitism is a symbiosis relationship in which two organism lives together but only one is benefited and other harm in any means. Toxoplasma is, in this case, parasite which is benefited while cats are host and harmed in this relationship.

Degree and chances of harm or benefit do not defines the symbiosis relationship between two organism. Cats are rarely harmed but still harmed in this relationship.

Thus, the correct answer is : parasitism.