Question

Cuscuta is an example of

• A. Brood parasitism
• B. Predation
• C. Endoparasitism
• D. Ectoparasitism

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Ectoparasitism

The correct option is D.

Explanation for correct option:

1. When a parasite lives in the body of the host then it is referred to as ectoparasitism.
2. Here the host-parasite relationship remains non-mutual.
3. Cuscuta is a stem parasite that wraps around the host plants and remains attached to them.
4. It is an example of ectoparasitism and in this type of parasitism the dependent organism or the parasite is dependent on the host for its food.

Explanation for incorrect option:

Option A:

1. Brood parasitism is generally seen in birds.
2. Some species of birds lay their eggs in the nest of their host and then the host incubates them.

Option B:

1. Predation refers to the common feeding behavior of living beings where one species feed on another to survive.
2. It is not parasitism.

Option C:

1. In endo parasitism, the parasite lives in the tissues and organs of its hosts.
2. But as Cuscuta lives outside the host body then it is not an endoparasite.

Final answer: Cuscuta is an example of ectoparasitism.