Question

Which statement is an example of parasitism?

Answer 1

Because the parasite needs the host to remain alive, it is typically advantageous for the parasite NOT to kill its host, however there are examples of when death of the host occurs. An example of this is seen in the photo below. In the photo, a tomato hornworm is covered with cocoons of pupating braconid wasps.

Answer 2

The correct answer is B. Wasps lay eggs inside hornworms and after the eggs hatch, the wasp larvae feed on the hornworm.

Explanation:

In biology, parasitisms occur as one organism obtains one benefit from another organism that is known as a hostage, while the hostage is damaged or negatively affected by the parasite. This type of relationship can be seen in the case of lice as these organisms live on blood-warmed animals and feed on the blood of the hostage; additionally, the hostage is damaged not only because lice feed on its blood but because it can transmit certain diseases.

According to this, the statement that is an example of parasitisms is "Wasps lay eggs inside hornworms and after the eggs hatch, the wasp larvae feed on the hornworm" because in this case, the wasp is benefited by laying eggs inside a hornworm as this allow larvae to survive; also the host (hornworm) is damaged as it is eaten by the larvae.