A partial parasite is the one which
(a) Absorbs water and mineral salts from host
(b) Absorbs only water from host
(c) Takes food from host only occasionally
(d) Lives on the host for space only

Options

A. Absorbs water and mineral salts from host
B. Absorbs only water from host
C. Takes food from host only occasionally
D. Lives on the host for space only

Answer

To solve the question about partial parasites, let's analyze each option step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Partial Parasites**:
- A partial parasite is a type of plant that can photosynthesize and produce its own food, but it also absorbs water and nutrients from a host plant. An example of a partial parasite is the sandalwood plant.

2. **Evaluating Option (a)**:
- This option states that a partial parasite "absorbs water and mineral salts from the host." This is true because partial parasites do extract water and minerals from their host plants while being capable of photosynthesis.

3. **Evaluating Option (b)**:
- This option states that a partial parasite "absorbs only water from the host." This is incorrect because partial parasites absorb both water and mineral salts, not just water.

4. **Evaluating Option (c)**:
- This option states that a partial parasite "takes food from the host only occasionally." This is also incorrect because partial parasites do not take food (sugars) from the host; they produce their own food through photosynthesis.

5. **Evaluating Option (d)**:
- This option states that a partial parasite "lives on the host for space only." This is incorrect as well because partial parasites do not just live on the host for space; they actively absorb water and nutrients.

6. **Conclusion**:
- The only correct statement about partial parasites is option (a), which accurately describes their ability to absorb water and mineral salts from the host.

### Final Answer:
**(a) Absorbs water and mineral salts from host**

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