Food Manager Practice Exam

What type of organism feeds off another organism or host?

1. Viruses

2. Bacteria

3. Parasites

4. Fungi

The correct answer is: Parasites

The correct answer is that parasites are organisms that feed off another organism or host. Parasites depend on their hosts for nutrients and energy, often causing harm to the host in the process. This relationship is known as parasitism, where the parasite benefits at the expense of the host, leading to various health issues for the host, which can range from mild discomfort to severe illness or even death. Viruses, while they do invade and replicate inside host cells, do not fit the traditional definition of an organism in the same way parasites do. They require a host to replicate but do not actively feed off the host's resources. Bacteria can be free-living or pathogenic, but not all bacteria feed off a host; many can thrive in environments without needing a host organism at all. Fungi, on the other hand, can break down organic material and play important roles in nutrient cycling, but they typically do not engage in a parasitic relationship in the same manner as parasites do. Understanding this distinction is crucial in fields like food safety and health, particularly in managing foodborne illnesses and understanding biological interactions.