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Question 1:

What is parasitism in ecology?

A) The interaction where two organisms mutually benefit from each other
B) The consumption of plant material by animals
C) The interaction where one organism benefits at the expense of another organism
D) The interaction where one organism benefits and the other is harmed

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Explanation: The correct answer is C) The interaction where one organism benefits at the expense of another organism. Parasitism in ecology refers to a relationship where one organism, called the parasite, benefits by exploiting and harming another organism, called the host. The parasite gains nutrients or other resources from the host, often causing damage or reduced fitness to the host.

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Question 2:

Which of the following is an example of a parasitic relationship?

A) A bee pollinating a flower
B) A lion hunting and killing a zebra
C) A tick feeding on the blood of a dog
D) A clownfish living among the tentacles of a sea anemone

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Explanation: The correct answer is C) A tick feeding on the blood of a dog. This is an example of parasitism, where the tick benefits by feeding on the blood of the dog and potentially transmitting diseases, while the dog is harmed by the presence of the tick and potential health consequences.

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Question 3:

What is a disease in the context of ecology?

A) The interaction where two organisms mutually benefit from each other
B) The consumption of plant material by animals
C) The interaction where one organism benefits at the expense of another organism
D) An abnormal condition that negatively affects the health or functioning of an organism

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Explanation: The correct answer is D) An abnormal condition that negatively affects the health or functioning of an organism. In ecology, a disease refers to an abnormal condition that disrupts the normal functioning of an organism. Diseases can be caused by various factors, including pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and can have significant impacts on individuals and populations.

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Question 4:

Which of the following is an example of a parasitic plant?

A) A bee pollinating a flower
B) A lion hunting and killing a zebra
C) A tick feeding on the blood of a dog
D) Mistletoe extracting nutrients from a tree

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Explanation: The correct answer is D) Mistletoe extracting nutrients from a tree. Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that obtains nutrients and water from the host tree it attaches to. It penetrates the host's tissues and relies on the host's resources for survival and growth, while the host may experience reduced growth and health as a result of the parasitic relationship.

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Question 5:

How can parasitism and diseases impact ecosystems?

A) They promote biodiversity and stability within ecosystems
B) They have no significant effects on ecosystems
C) They can cause population declines and disrupt ecological interactions
D) They contribute to the formation of mutualistic relationships

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Explanation: The correct answer is C) They can cause population declines and disrupt ecological interactions. Parasitism and diseases can have significant impacts on ecosystems. They can cause population declines in affected species, leading to imbalances in ecological communities. Additionally, they can disrupt ecological interactions by affecting the behavior, physiology, and reproductive success of host organisms, potentially cascading through the food web and altering ecosystem dynamics.