Which term best describes an organism that damages the host by living on or in it?

Which term best describes an organism that damages the host by living on or in it?

• A. Parasitic
• B. Pathogenic
• C. Saprophytic
• D. Mutualistic

Answer: (A)

Parasitism is the idea here: an organism that lives on or inside another organism (the host) and Benefits at the host’s expense. When an organism damages the host by living on or in it, it’s described as parasitic. Examples include lice on the skin or tapeworms in the gut, which rely on the host for nutrients and can cause harm. The term pathogenic refers to the ability to cause disease, which can go with parasitism but isn’t the defining lifestyle. Saprophytic organisms feed on dead matter, not living hosts, and mutualistic relationships benefit both parties rather than harming the host.

Parasitism is the idea here: an organism that lives on or inside another organism (the host) and Benefits at the host’s expense. When an organism damages the host by living on or in it, it’s described as parasitic. Examples include lice on the skin or tapeworms in the gut, which rely on the host for nutrients and can cause harm. The term pathogenic refers to the ability to cause disease, which can go with parasitism but isn’t the defining lifestyle. Saprophytic organisms feed on dead matter, not living hosts, and mutualistic relationships benefit both parties rather than harming the host.