Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

What is the term for the relationship between two different species in which one benefits at the expense of the other?

1. Mutualism

2. Parasitism

3. Commensalism

4. Symbiosis

The correct answer is: Parasitism

The term that describes the relationship between two different species in which one benefits at the expense of the other is parasitism. In parasitism, one organism, the parasite, derives its nutrients from another organism, the host, which is harmed in the process. This relationship can result in various detrimental effects on the host, such as illness or weakened immune response, while the parasite thrives and reproduces. Mutualism refers to a symbiotic relationship where both species benefit, making it fundamentally different from parasitism. Commensalism is another type of relationship where one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed. Symbiosis is a broad term that includes both mutualism and parasitism, but does not specifically denote the exploitative nature of the relationship. Therefore, parasitism is the most accurate term for defining the scenario presented in the question.