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 both heterotropic and autotrophic nutrition during dormancy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is the best choice because deriving nourishment without killing the host is essential for the establishment of a long-term parasite/host relationship. If the parasite kills the host too quickly, it may not have enough time to complete its life cycle and reproduce, ultimately resulting in the demise of the parasite. By deriving nourishment without killing the host, the parasite can continue to feed and reproduce, thereby increasing its chances of survival and transmission to new hosts.

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