What term is used to describe a symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits and the other is harmed?

Study for the JLAB Biology SOL Test. Utilize our comprehensive flashcards and multiple choice questions, each accompanied by hints and explanations. Prepare extensively for your exam with ease!

The term that describes a symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits while the other is harmed is parasitism. In parasitism, one organism, known as the parasite, derives nutrients or some advantage from another organism, referred to as the host. This relationship often results in harm to the host, which can include a variety of negative effects such as disease, impairment, or even death.

Mutualism, in contrast, describes a relationship where both organisms benefit from their interaction. Commensalism involves one organism benefiting while the other is not significantly harmed or helped. Symbiosis is a broader term that encompasses any kind of close ecological relationship between two different organisms, which can include parasitism, mutualism, and commensalism among others. Thus, parasitism is specifically defined by the dynamic of one party benefiting at the expense of the other.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy