Question

A Cuckoo laying eggs in the nest of other species of birds is an example of

• A. Hyperparasitism
• B. Endoparasitism
• C. Adelphoparasitism
• D. Brood parasitism

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Brood parasitism

The correct option is (d).

Explanation of the correct option:

Brood parasitism:

1. Brood parasitism is a phenomenon in which the parasite(here, the cuckoo bird) lays their eggs into the nests of birds of the same species or different species to render themselves free from the obligation of parenting.
2. The cuckoos use egg mimicry, that is, they choose parents whose eggs are very similar to theirs.
3. The host parents or foster parents then provide the foreign eggs with warmth and nutrition like their own eggs.
4. The cuckoo eggs however turn nasty, they hatch before the parent’s own eggs and kick them out of the nest.

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option A:

Hyperparasitism is a type of parasitic relation where the host is also a parasite on some other organism.

Option B:

Endoparasitism is a type of parasitic relation where the parasite lives inside the tissues or organs of the host body.

Option C:

Adelphoparasitism is a type of parasitic relation where the host and the parasite are closely related species.

Final answer: A Cuckoo laying eggs in the nest of other species of birds is an example of brood parasitism.