B. Population Dynamics Symbiotic Relationships Ticks
Ticks belong to a family called Acarina, which also contains mites. Ticks eat by taking blood from
other organisms such as wallabies, lizards, echidnas and occasionally humans. In humans this can
lead to symptoms such as itching, head aches and in extreme cases flu like symptoms, facial
paralysis, and meat allergy.
1. Identify the relationship a tick has with its host. Justify your answer [3]

Parasitism

Explanation:

Parasitism is a form of relationship in which one of the organism is being harmed while the other benefits. The organism being harmed is usually called the HOST while the organism that benefits is called PARASITE. Parasites often inflict certain health-related conditions on their hosts.

According to this question describing the mode of feeding of ticks, they are said to eat by taking blood from other organisms such as wallabies, lizards, echidnas and occasionally humans, which are all HOSTS.

In human hosts, this relationship with ticks can lead to symptoms such as itching, head aches and in extreme cases flu like symptoms, facial paralysis, and meat allergy etc. From the description above, it is clear that TICK has a PARASITIC RELATIONSHIP with its host as it brings only harm to them and benefits itself.