Biology HESI A2 2024 Related

Review Biology HESI A2 2024 related questions and content

What kind of symbiosis exists between a pneumonia bacterium and a human?

  • A. Mutualism
  • B. Parasitism
  • C. Commensalism
  • D. Competition
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the case of a pneumonia bacterium and a human, the relationship is best described as parasitism. The bacterium benefits by causing harm to the human host, while the human is negatively affected by the presence of the bacterium, leading to illness or infection. This is a classic example of a parasitic relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of the other. Mutualism (Choice A) is a type of symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit from each other. Commensalism (Choice C) is a symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits, and the other is neither helped nor harmed. Competition (Choice D) refers to a relationship where both organisms are negatively affected by each other as they compete for resources.