Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

What is the term for a relationship that benefits one organism at the expense of another?

1. Mutualism

2. Parasitism

3. Commensalism

4. Neutralism

The correct answer is: Parasitism

The term that describes a relationship benefiting one organism at the expense of another is parasitism. In parasitism, one organism, the parasite, derives its nutrition and any other benefit from the host, often harming it in the process. This relationship is characterized by the parasite living on or within the host organism, leading to potential health issues for the host, such as nutrient depletion and disease. In contrast, mutualism denotes a relationship where both organisms benefit, while commensalism involves one organism benefiting without affecting the other. Neutralism describes situations where neither organism affects the other significantly. Understanding these types of relationships is vital in ecology and helps explain the interactions among different species.