Question

Cuscuta (dodder plant) parasitizing a host plant represents which type of biotic interaction?

Options

• Competition for the same habitat

• Mutualism, as both organisms benefit

• Parasitism, where the parasite benefits and host is harmed

• Commensalism, where only one is unaffected

Answer 1

Parasitism is a biotic interaction in which the parasite benefits at the expense of the host organism. Cuscuta is a parasitic plant that derives nutrients from its host plant, weakening the host while increasing its own survival and reproduction. The host plant is harmed by this relationship.