Parasitism is an example of a ___________ interaction.

Options

A. mutualistic
B. consumer-victim
C. victim-victim
D. pollinator dispersal

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Parasitism**: Parasitism is a type of interaction where one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of another organism (the host). The parasite derives nutrients and shelter from the host, leading to harm to the host.

2. **Identifying the Type of Interaction**: In ecological terms, interactions between organisms can be classified into various types, such as mutualism, commensalism, predation, and parasitism. Parasitism specifically falls under the category of consumer-victim interactions.

3. **Defining Consumer-Victim Interaction**: In a consumer-victim interaction, the consumer (in this case, the parasite) benefits by consuming resources from the victim (the host). This interaction often leads to a decrease in the host's health, growth, survival, and reproductive capabilities.

4. **Consequences for the Host**: The host suffers due to the parasite's feeding habits, which can lead to a decline in the host's population density. If the host is significantly harmed, it may even lead to the death of the host.

5. **Conclusion**: Based on the understanding of parasitism and its classification, we conclude that parasitism is an example of a **consumer-victim interaction**.

**Final Answer**: Parasitism is an example of a **consumer-victim** interaction.

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