would parasitism be an accurate way to describe the relationship between the strangler fig and the cypress tree?

The relationship between the strangler fig and the cypress tree closely resembles one of parasitism but is not. It is considered commensalism.

Explanation:

Parasitism is when one organism uses another as a host in order to survive, which generated negative impacts for the host, which will usually end in death. The strangler fig uses the tree as a host in order to sustain itself structurally but does not siphon nutrients from the tree or directly kill it, therefore it is not a form of parasitism.

Commensalism is described as a relationship between two organisms, in which the benefits are gained by only one of the members, but neither of the two is harmed in any way.

The relationship between the strangler fig and the cypress tree is best described as commensalism, given that although the strangler fig does eventually cause the tree to die by encircling its roots and not allowing it to grow, it does not kill the tree directly in order to survive.

it would be c. xylem.

answer:

the water molecules are transferred from the roots to the stem or top parts of the tall tree because of important properties of water which are adhesion, cohesion and capillary action. cohesion is the property of water molecules keeps water molecules in a combined state by sharing of bonds between them at the atomic level. adhesion allows the interaction of water molecules with other substances or substrate. adhesion will cause the attachment of water molecules to the wall of the vessel (xylem) of the plant. capillary action occurs when the adhesive force to the vessel wall is stronger than the cohesive force between water molecules. capillary action mimics the transfer of water from a tube or pipe. in this way water utilizes its property to transfer water from down to top level of the plant.