A parasite restricted in development to a narrow range of closely related host species is termed_______________?
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Answer: A. Oligophagous parasites
Explanation
Oligophagous parasites feed on a narrow, restricted group of closely related host species. This specialized feeding habit limits their distribution to specific host plants or animals. Oligophagous species possess precise physiological adaptations for overcoming specific host defenses. Specialized parasites rely on biochemical cues specific to their restricted host range for survival. Evolutionary specialization often reduces competition by targeting unexploited host resources. Oligophagous insects cannot easily switch to unrelated host species if primary sources decline.
Agricultural pests with oligophagous habits can devastate specific crops while ignoring neighboring fields. Biological control agents are often selected for oligophagous traits to ensure target weed specificity. Crop rotation disrupts oligophagous pest life cycles by removing their preferred host plants. Polyphagous parasites are capable of successfully exploiting a wide range of different host species. Facultative parasites can complete their developmental life cycle with or without a host. Transitory parasites spend only brief periods associated with hosts for feeding purposes.
- Subject
- Agriculture
- Category
- Agriculture
- Topic
- —
- Difficulty
- medium
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