What describes parasitism?

Parasitism is characterized by a relationship where one organism, the parasite, benefits at the expense of another organism, the host. In this interaction, the parasite derives nutrients or advantages from the host, which typically suffers negative effects, such as reduced fitness, health issues, or even death as a consequence of the parasitic relationship. This dynamic showcases the imbalance that defines parasitism, emphasizing that the parasite thrives while the host is harmed.

Other options reflect different forms of ecological interactions. Mutualism, for example, refers to a relationship where both species involved gain benefits, which is not the case in parasitism. Neutral effects imply that neither species affects the other significantly, which also does not align with the implications of parasitic relationships. Finally, shared resources without benefits may suggest a non-competitive relationship but does not accurately portray the exploitative nature of parasitism where one species clearly benefits at the expense of another.