Question

Parasitic mode of nutrition is
(a)Absorptive
(b)Phagotrophic
(c)Both (a) & (b)
(d)Holotropic

Answer 1

Parasitism is the mode of nutrition in which the organism derives its nutrition from the body of another type of organism as the host. It is a heterotrophic mode of nutrition. The organism lives on the surface or inside of the body of the organism.

Complete answer:
When a parasite depends on another organism for their survival, the mode of nutrition is known as parasitic mode of nutrition as the parasite stays on the surface of their host from which they can absorb their nutrition. This nutrition is absorptive. The parasite enters inside the body of their host and eats their cells and derives their nutrition which is phagotrophic nutrition. The engulfment of large food particles inside the cells which includes digestion inside the cells is the phagotrophic mode of nutrition. Amoeba derives a phagotrophic mode of nutrition by pseudopodia which helps in engulfing the food particle and is absorbed inside the body. The parasites and the host in parasitic nutrition involve symbiotic interaction which is harmful to the host. They depend on their host for survival and the host provides nutrition and protection. Tapeworms, barnacles show the parasitic mode of nutrition.

Additional information:
Holotropic: It is a mode of heterotrophic nutrition that involves the internal processing of solid food particles are liquids and gaseous materials. The injection of energy and organic materials takes place and the digestion of other organisms or species of other organisms which includes blood and decaying matter takes place in holozoic nutrition. Nutrition takes place in several stages which include ingestion, digestion, absorption, assimilation, and egestion. The taking in of food through the mouth is known as an injection which is known as phagocytosis in protozoans. breakdown of complex large and organic food materials with enzymatic breakdown of complex organic compounds into several small, simple molecules is digestion. The transportation of active and passive chemical products of digestion is absorption and the utilization of the absorbed molecules for various metabolic processes is assimilation. The expansion of the undigested substances is egestion which is commonly known as defecating.

So, the correct answer is 'Both (a) & (b)'.

Note: Parasitism provides ecological support in shaping community structure and affecting trophic interactions such as food web and competitions in biodiversity. Ticks constitute more than 800 species which shows parasitism that lives on dogs and cats and lives off the blood of host animals.