What significant function can parasitism have in the ecosystem? a) the formation of lichens
b) benefiting the health of hosts
c) population decrease of an overabundant species
d) increasing habitat size

Consider that parasites play an important role in regulating the populations of their hosts and the balance of the overall ecosystem. First, they kill off some organisms and make others vulnerable to predators. And there are millions of undiscovered parasite species, whose ecological niches we can only guess at.

Explanation:

Parasites also influence host behavior and fitness, and can regulate host population sizes, sometimes with profound effects on trophic interactions, food webs, competition, biodiversity and keystone species. These interactions suggest that parasites are integral components in shaping community- and ecosystem structure.

from the original order (top to bottom) the new order will go

1 (founder)

4 (hawk)

2 (mutate)

3 (next generation)

youre right there are