Question

Two organisms are good friends and live together. One provides shelter, water, and nutrients while the other prepares and provides food. Such an association of organisms is termed as:

• A. saprophyte
• B. parasite
• C. autotroph
• D. symbiosis

Answer 1

The correct option is D

symbiosis

The correct option is : D

Explanation of the correct option:

1. The ecological relationship between two different organisms or species that share similar habitats is known as symbiosis.
2. A symbiotic relationship is of three types based on their behavior: mutualism, parasitism, and commensalism.
3. The two organisms live together where one provides shelter, nutrients, and water whereas the other organism prepares food.
4. Some examples of the symbiotic association are lichens i.e., an association of an alga and a fungus, Lactobacillus and humans, etc.

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option (A):

1. Saprophyte is an organism that is incapable of making its own food, and hence it feeds on the dead and decaying matter.
2. They break down complex organic matter into smaller and simpler substances.
3. Some examples of saprophytes are yeast, mucor, etc.

Option (B):

1. The organisms that live inside or on the host organism for its survival are known as parasites.
2. They are dependent on the host for food and shelter.
3. Parasites cause harm to the host organism for their benefit.
4. Some examples of parasites are tapeworm, leeches, lice, etc.

Option (C):

1. Autotrophs are organisms that tend to synthesize their own food by using light, water, and carbon dioxide through the process of photosynthesis.
2. They are the building blocks of an ecosystem as they provide food and nutrients that are necessary for all other living organisms.
3. Some examples of autotrophs are plants, algae, cyanobacteria, etc.

Final answer : Two organisms are good friends and live together. One provides shelter, water, and nutrients while the other prepares and provides food. Such an association of organisms is termed as symbiosis.