Question

would parasitism be an accurate way to describe the relationship between the strangler fig and the cypress tree?

Answer 1

Answer:

The relationship between the strangler fig and the cypress tree closely resembles one of parasitism but is not. It is considered commensalism.

Explanation:

Parasitism is when one organism uses another as a host in order to survive, which generated negative impacts for the host, which will usually end in death. The strangler fig uses the tree as a host in order to sustain itself structurally but does not siphon nutrients from the tree or directly kill it, therefore it is not a form of parasitism.

Commensalism is described as a relationship between two organisms, in which the benefits are gained by only one of the members, but neither of the two is harmed in any way.

The relationship between the strangler fig and the cypress tree is best described as commensalism, given that although the strangler fig does eventually cause the tree to die by encircling its roots and not allowing it to grow, it does not kill the tree directly in order to survive.