Question

why is parasitism considered a type of symbiotic relationship?
a. it benefits both species involved.
b. neither species is harmed by the relationship.
c. it involves long - term interaction between species.
d. it involves strong interdependence between species.

Explanation:

Symbiotic relationships involve long - term interactions between different species. Parasitism is a type of symbiotic relationship where one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of another (the host). Option A is incorrect as in parasitism only the parasite benefits. Option B is wrong because the host is harmed. Option D is not the key defining feature for symbiosis in general (and for parasitism specifically), while the long - term interaction (as in option C) is a fundamental aspect of what makes a relationship symbiotic.

Answer:

C. It involves long - term interaction between species