Question

Various relationships exist between the species of a community. Answer the following question using the choices provided. The answer choices may be used once, more than once, or not at all.
Fleas feed on the blood and skin of organisms and may carry disease that harms the organism.

• A. Mutualism
• B. Commensalism
• C. Predation
• D. Competition
• E. Parasitism

Answer 1

Answer: (E)

Parasitism

A. Mutualism is a relationship between two or more organisms in which all are benefitted by one another.

B. Commensalism is a relationship between two different organisms in which one is always benefitted while the other is neither benefitted nor harmed.

C. Predation describes the eating of one species by other.

D. Competition is a rivalry between two or more organisms for obtaining the same resources such as food, shelter, etc.

E. Parasitism is an interaction between two individuals where the parasite gets the benefit at the expense of the host.

Hence when Fleas feed on the blood and skin of organisms and may carry disease that harms the organism, this will be Parasitism.

So, the correct answer is 'Parasitism'.