Which statement describes a parasite?

Question

A parasite is beneficial to its host.
A parasite is harmed in its relationship with the host.
A parasite only benefits when the host is alive.
A parasite always kills its host and takes all the nutrients.

Answer 1

The statement that best describes a parasite is:

A parasite only benefits when the host is alive.

Parasites rely on their hosts for nutrients and survival, and they typically do not kill their hosts immediately, as this would also jeopardize their own survival. While some parasites can cause significant harm to their hosts, the relationship is usually one where the parasite benefits at the host's expense, rather than being beneficial to the host.