Which of the following organisms is both parasitic and autotrophic?

1. Analyze the question We need an organism that is both parasitic (lives on or in a host and takes nutrients from it) and autotrophic (makes its own food, usually by photosynthesis). That is a partial parasite, or hemiparasite.

2. Explain the concept

• Autotrophs make their own food using chlorophyll (photosynthesis).
• Parasites depend on a living host for some or all of their nutrition.
• A hemiparasite has chlorophyll and photosynthesizes, but also taps its host's xylem to get water and mineral salts. It is therefore both parasitic and autotrophic.

3. Check each option

• A. Sundew: This is a carnivorous (insectivorous) plant. It photosynthesizes and traps insects to supplement its nitrogen. It is not a parasite because it does not live on a host. It is autotrophic only.
• B. Loranthus (mistletoe): It has green leaves and photosynthesizes. It attaches to host trees with haustoria and absorbs water and minerals from them. It is both autotrophic and parasitic.
• C. Rhizopus: This is a fungus (bread mold) with no chlorophyll. It is saprophytic and heterotrophic.
• D. Tapeworm: This is a parasite that absorbs digested food from its host's gut. It is heterotrophic, not autotrophic.

4. Answer The correct option is B. Loranthus.

5. Exam tip Remember that Loranthus = mistletoe = partial parasite (hemiparasite). Compare it with Cuscuta (dodder), which is a total parasite with no chlorophyll. JAMB often pairs these as "parasitic and autotrophic" versus "parasitic and heterotrophic". If you see "green plant living on another plant," think Loranthus.