Cordyceps fungus infiltrate their insect host, where their hyphae then grow into the insect's body and absorb nutrients from non-essential organs while controlling the insect's brain. When the fungus is ready to reproduce, it directs its host to march to a cool, moist location in the forest where spores erupt through the insect’s head to spread in the wind.

Question

is this Commensalism Mutualism Parasitism Predation

Answer 1

This is an example of parasitism, as the cordyceps fungus benefits by absorbing nutrients from the insect host while harming it in the process.