Question

which scenario describes a relationship of parasitism? a tapeworm latches itself in the intestines of a rat, feeding off all the nutrients eaten by the rat. a polar bear catches a seal for dinner. birds feed off the insects that are stirred up from the grasses as cattle move through. oxpecker birds eat parasitic ticks off the backs of zebras.

Explanation:

Parasitism is a symbiotic relationship where one organism (parasite) benefits at the expense of another (host), which is harmed but usually not immediately killed.

• The tapeworm (parasite) lives in the rat's intestines, taking nutrients the rat needs, harming the host while benefiting itself.
• The polar bear-seal relationship is predation (predator kills prey for food).
• Birds eating insects stirred by cattle is commensalism (one benefits, the other is unaffected).
• Oxpeckers eating ticks off zebras is mutualism (both benefit: oxpeckers get food, zebras get rid of parasites).

Answer:

A. A tapeworm latches itself in the intestines of a rat, feeding off all the nutrients eaten by the rat.