Balanophora/Orobanche is a

Options

A. Total root parasite
B. partial root parasite
C. Partial stem parasite
D. Total stem parasite

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks about Balanophora or Orobanche, specifically what type of parasite it is.

2. **Identifying the Type of Interaction**: The interaction in question is parasitism, where one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of another organism (the host).

3. **Defining the Terms**:
- **Parasite**: The organism that derives nutrition and shelter from the host.
- **Host**: The organism that is harmed by the parasite's presence.

4. **Types of Parasitism**:
- **Holoparasitism**: Complete dependence on the host for nutrition; these are total root or total stem parasites.
- **Hemiparasitism**: Partial dependence on the host; these can be partial root or partial stem parasites.

5. **Analyzing Balanophora/Orobanche**:
- Balanophora and Orobanche are classified as holoparasites, meaning they are total root parasites. They completely rely on their host for nutrients and water.

6. **Understanding the Effects on the Host**:
- When Balanophora attaches to the roots of a plant, it absorbs water and nutrients from the soil, which restricts the host plant's ability to absorb these resources.

7. **Selecting the Correct Answer**:
- Given the definitions and the nature of Balanophora/Orobanche, the correct answer is that it is a **total root parasite** (Option 1).

8. **Eliminating Incorrect Options**:
- **Partial root parasite**: Incorrect because Balanophora is not partially dependent.
- **Partial stem parasite**: Incorrect for the same reason.
- **Total stem parasite**: Incorrect because it primarily affects the roots, not the stems.

9. **Conclusion**: The correct classification for Balanophora/Orobanche is that it is a total root parasite.

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