Question

Loranthus is a

• A. Commensal
• B. Epiphyte
• C. Parasite
• D. Symbiont

Answer 1

The correct option is C Parasite

A. Commensalism is a relation in which one organism is benefitted greatly but other is neither benefitted nor harmed. example: epiphytes.

B. Epiphytes are plants which grow on other plants but do not depend on them for water or nutrients but obtain them from air and rain.

C. Parasitism is a relation in which one organism is benefitted and other is harmed. Loranthus stays on the stem of other trees. It acquires water and minerals from the vascular tissues of the host tree, thus decreasing the tree's water content. It harms the tree while getting benefitted. Thus, it is a parasite.

D. Symbiont relationship is one in which the organism can either be benefitted or harmed.

So, the correct answer is 'Parasite'.