Parasites are living organisms that derive nourishment and protection from other living organisms called

• A. Non-living matter.
• B. Air and water.
• C. Hosts.
• D. Synthetic chemicals.

Answer: (C)

Parasites rely on a living partner for their nourishment and shelter, and the partner is called the host. The host gives resources and a place to live, while the parasite benefits from those resources. This relationship, known as parasitism, means the parasite gains nutrients or habitat at the host’s expense. For example, a tapeworm living in the intestines gets nutrients from the host’s food, and fleas on a dog feed on the host’s blood. The other options aren’t living organisms that provide nourishment, so they don’t fit as the source of nourishment and protection.