Consider the following : 1. Carabid beetles 2. Centipedes 3. Flies 4. Termites 5. Wasps Parasitoid species are found how many of the above kind of organisms?

1. A. Only two
2. B. Only three
3. C. Only four
4. D. All Five

Answer: B

Explanation

A parasitoid is an organism that lives in close association with its host at the host’s expense, eventually resulting in the death of the host. Let’s evaluate each: 1. Carabid beetles: Some genera of carabid beetles, particularly in their larval stages, are known to be parasitoids. 2. Centipedes: Centipedes are primarily predatory arthropods; they hunt and kill their prey directly, rather than living as parasitoids. 3. Flies: Many species of flies, especially within the order Diptera (e.g., tachinid flies), are well-known parasitoids of other insects. 4. Termites: Termites are primarily detritivores, feeding on dead plant material like wood. They are not parasitoids. 5. Wasps: A vast number of wasp species, particularly in the order Hymenoptera, are parasitoids, laying their eggs in or on other insects. Therefore, parasitoid species are found among Carabid beetles, Flies, and Wasps, making it ‘Only three’ organisms. This question tests knowledge of ecological interactions and biodiversity, which is a key part of the Environment & Ecology syllabus.