Question 1

Which of the following best distinguishes parasitism from predation?

Accepted Answer

Parasitism is usually a long-term interaction where the host may survive, while predation is typically short-term and results in the prey's death.

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of a vector in the transmission of a parasite?

Accepted Answer

A mosquito transmitting Plasmodium to humans

Question 3

In the SIR model of disease dynamics, which of the following statements is correct?

Accepted Answer

Infected individuals can move to the recovered category or die, affecting the population structure.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes a mutualism classified as 'obligate'?

Accepted Answer

Both species are so dependent on each other that they cannot survive apart.

Question 5

A researcher observes that after introducing a pathogen into a mesocosm with two frog species, the previously inferior competitor becomes dominant. What ecological principle does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Pathogens can reverse the outcome of interspecific competition.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a correct pairing of mutualism type and example?

Accepted Answer

Obligate mutualism – Clownfish and anemone

Question 7

Which of the following is a plausible tradeoff observed in the evolution of parasite avoidance strategies?

Accepted Answer

Migrating monarch butterflies have lower rates of protozoan infection but must invest more energy in migration.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the relationship between pearlfish and sea cucumbers?

Accepted Answer

Commensalism, but it can shift toward exploitation if the pearlfish overuses resources

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct statement about macroparasites and microparasites?

Accepted Answer

Tapeworms and trematodes are examples of macroparasites.

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of amensalism?

Accepted Answer

Wild pigs rooting and disturbing plants, with the pigs unaffected

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why parasites often have higher reproductive rates than their hosts?

Accepted Answer

Parasites must ensure their offspring can disperse before the host dies.

Question 12

Which of the following is a real-world example of a parasite altering host behavior for its own benefit?

Accepted Answer

A hairworm causing a cricket to jump into water, facilitating the parasite’s life cycle

Question 13

Which of the following is a plausible reason for the cyclical pattern of pertussis (whooping cough) cases in the United States, even after the introduction of vaccines?

Accepted Answer

Some individuals are not vaccinated, allowing periodic outbreaks.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the mutualism between corals and zooxanthellae?

Accepted Answer

Zooxanthellae provide organic compounds to corals, and corals provide nutrients to zooxanthellae.

Question 15

Which of the following is a challenge in classifying interactions between organisms?

Accepted Answer

Some fungi mimic mutualists but do not provide benefits, making them 'cheaters'.

Question 16

Which of the following equations best represents the basic SIR model compartments?

Accepted Answer

$$S \rightarrow I \rightarrow R$$

Question 17

Which of the following is a biochemical defense against parasites observed in animals?

Accepted Answer

A chimpanzee chewing on bitter pith to combat nematode infection

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the economic impact of parasites on agriculture?

Accepted Answer

Pathogens in US crops cost billions of dollars annually.

Question 19

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates a facultative mutualism?

Accepted Answer

Clownfish and anemones, where both benefit but can survive independently

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about the farming mutualism between leaf cutter ants and fungi?

Accepted Answer

The ants provide leaves to the fungus, which increases in abundance and serves as a food source for the ants.

6.2 Interactions Among Organisms: Parasitism, Mutualism, Commensalism, and Amensalism

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