During the course of the formation of a parasite/host relationship, a critical first step in this evolution would be
A) changing the behavior of the host or intermediate host.
B) developing asexual reproduction.
C) deriving nourishment without killing the host.
D) starting as an ectoparasite and then later becoming an endoparasite.
E) utilizing heterotropic nutrition during infection and autotrophic nutrition during dormancy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In order for a parasite/host relationship to be successful and long-lasting, the parasite must be able to derive nourishment from the host without killing it. This allows the parasite to utilize the host as a source of nutrients for an extended period of time, maximizing the parasite's chances of reproducing and spreading to new hosts. Changing the behavior of the host, developing asexual reproduction, and starting as an ectoparasite before becoming an endoparasite may all be important steps in this evolution, but none of them are as critical as the ability to derive nourishment without killing the host. Utilizing heterotropic nutrition during infection and autotrophic nutrition during dormancy is not a necessary step in the formation of a parasite/host relationship.

During the Course of the Formation of a Parasite/host Relationship