During the course of the formation of a parasite/host relationship, a critical first step in this evolution would be
A)changing the behaviour 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

One of the critical first steps in the evolution of a parasite/host relationship is the ability of the parasite to derive nourishment without killing its host. This allows the parasite to continue to live and reproduce within the host for an extended period of time, ensuring its survival and transmission to other hosts. If the parasite were to kill its host too quickly, it would limit its potential for transmission and reduce its chances of survival in the long term. Changing the behaviour of the host or developing asexual reproduction may occur later in the evolution of the parasite/host relationship, but the ability to derive nourishment without killing the host is a critical first step. Starting as an ectoparasite and then becoming an endoparasite or utilizing heterotropic nutrition during infection and autotrophic nutrition during dormancy are not necessarily critical first steps in the evolution of a parasite/host relationship.

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