a. Classify the following biological associations under the headings in the table below: (i) Remora and shark; (ii) Lichen; (iii) Cattle and white Egret; (i...

a.    Classify  the following biological associations under the headings in the table below:
    (i)  Remora and shark;
    (ii)  Lichen;
    (iii)  Cattle and white Egret;
    (iv)  Tapeworm in the gut of humans;
    (v)  Flowers and Honeybees; 
    (vi)  Mistletoe and Cacao plant.

                        [6 marks]

b.    (i) State three adaptive features of parasites.    [6  marks]
    (ii) State two effects of parasites on their hosts.    [2 marks]

c.    (i)  What are saprophytes?    [2  marks]
    (ii)  Give four examples of saprophytes.    [4  marks]

Answer Details

a.

1. (i) Remora and shark: Commensalism
2. (ii) Lichen: Mutualism
3. (iii) Cattle and white Egret: Commensalism
4. (iv) Tapeworm in the gut of humans: Parasitism
5. (v) Flowers and Honeybees: Mutualism
6. (vi) Mistletoe and Cacao plant: Parasitism

b.

1. (i) Three adaptive features of parasites are:
   1. Ability to evade host immune system: Parasites have evolved various strategies to evade the host's immune system and survive within the host.
   2. Ability to live in hostile environments: Many parasites are able to tolerate harsh environmental conditions within the host, such as high temperatures and low oxygen levels.
   3. Ability to reproduce rapidly: Parasites often have a rapid reproductive rate, allowing them to quickly increase their population size within the host.
2. (ii) Two effects of parasites on their hosts are:
   1. Reduction in host fitness: Parasites can reduce the fitness of their host by consuming resources or causing harm to their host's tissues.
   2. Altering host behavior: Some parasites can alter the behavior of their host in ways that benefit the parasite, such as by making the host more attractive to potential hosts or more vulnerable to predation.

c.

1. (i) Saprophytes are organisms that obtain nutrients from dead organic matter.
2. (ii) Four examples of saprophytes are:
   1. Fungi: Many fungi are saprophytes, obtaining nutrients from dead plant and animal matter.
   2. Bacteria: Some bacteria are saprophytes, obtaining nutrients from dead organic matter in soil and water.
   3. Mosses: Mosses are saprophytes, obtaining nutrients from dead plant matter in soil and on tree trunks.
   4. Decomposers: Decomposers, such as earthworms and beetles, play an important role in breaking down dead organic matter and releasing nutrients into the soil.