JAMB 2019 Biology · Question 76

The type of nutrition in which two organisms of different species live together and derive nutrients from each other is

Options

  1. A.symbiotic nutrition
  2. B.saprophytic nutrition
  3. C.holozoic nutrition
  4. D.holophytic nutrition

Answer: A. symbiotic nutrition

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question The question describes two organisms of different species living together, with both getting nutrients from each other. This is a mutual feeding relationship.

Step 2: Explain the concepts

  • Symbiotic nutrition: Two different species live in close association, and each benefits from the other. Examples: nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Rhizobium) in the root nodules of legumes, and the alga and fungus in lichens.
  • Saprophytic nutrition: An organism feeds on dead or decaying organic matter (e.g., mushrooms and moulds on rotting wood).
  • Holozoic nutrition: An organism ingests solid food, digests it internally, then absorbs and assimilates it (e.g., humans, dogs, goats).
  • Holophytic nutrition: Also called autotrophic or photosynthetic nutrition. Green plants make their own food from simple inorganic substances.

Step 3: Solve by elimination

  • B is wrong because it involves feeding on dead matter, not two living species exchanging nutrients.
  • C is wrong because it describes how an animal takes in food, with no partnership involved.
  • D is wrong because it describes self-feeding by plants and involves only one organism.
  • A fits perfectly: two species, living together, each deriving nutrients from the other.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is A. symbiotic nutrition.

Exam tip: Break the word down. "Sym" means together and "bios" means life, so symbiosis is "living together." Also remember the other keywords: saprophytic = dead matter, holozoic = animal-like feeding, holophytic = plant-like feeding.

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