Question

1. given the discussion thus far of commensalism and parasitism, would parasitism be an accurate way to describe the relationship between the strangler fig and the cypress tree?

type your answer here.
the spiraling, tangled growth of roots inside of this costa rican strangler fig tree creates a staircase - like appearance.

Explanation:

Parasitism is a relationship where one organism (parasite) benefits at the expense of another (host). Strangler figs grow on cypress trees (using them for support initially). As they grow, their roots constrict the cypress tree, eventually killing it. The strangler fig benefits (gets support, access to sunlight etc.) while the cypress tree is harmed (eventually dies). This fits the definition of parasitism.

Answer:

Yes, parasitism is an accurate way to describe the relationship between the strangler fig and the cypress tree.