Name a reproductive strategy in which parasites take advantage of the care of other individuals of the same species or different species to raise their young.

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This question was previously asked in

SSC CGL 2023 Tier-I Official Paper (Held On: 14 Jul 2023 Shift 1)

Answer 1

The correct answer is Brood parasitism.Key Points

Brood parasitism:-
- It is a reproductive strategy in which a parasite lays its eggs in the nest of another individual of the same species or different species, and the host raises the parasite's young.
- This strategy is often used by birds, such as cuckoos, cowbirds, and honeyguides, but it can also be observed in insects, fish, and mammals.
- Brood parasites have evolved various adaptations to increase their chances of success, such as mimicking the appearance and behavior of the host's eggs or chicks, laying their eggs at the same time as the host, or removing the host's eggs.
- Brood parasitism can have both costs and benefits for the host, depending on the degree of similarity between the parasite and the host, the number of parasites in the host's nest, and the availability of alternative nesting sites.

Additional Information

Sexual parasitism:-
- It also known as mate parasitism, refers to a reproductive strategy in which a male or female gains access to a mate or a nest by deceiving or coercing the other individual.
Klepto parasitism, or kleptoparasitism:-
- It refers to a feeding strategy in which a parasite steals food from another individual, often by chasing or harassing it.
Competitive parasitism, or social parasitism:-
- It refers to a reproductive strategy in which a parasite takes over the resources and/or reproduction of a host, often by manipulating its behavior or physiology.