Facultative saprophyte isA) A parasite which can live as a saprophyteB) Always a parasiteC) Always a saprophyteD) May acquire parasitic mode of life

The correct answer is A) A parasite which can live as a saprophyte.

Explanation:

A facultative saprophyte is an organism that primarily lives as a parasite but has the ability to survive as a saprophyte under certain conditions.

Parasitic mode of life: In normal conditions, these organisms derive nutrients from living hosts, often harming them in the process.
Saprophytic mode of life: When a suitable host is not available, facultative saprophytes can switch to feeding on dead organic matter, adapting to saprophytic conditions.
Key characteristic: This adaptability to live both as a parasite and as a saprophyte under varying environmental conditions is what defines them as facultative saprophytes.
Why not the other options?

B) Always a parasite: This is incorrect because facultative saprophytes are not strictly parasitic; they can switch to a saprophytic lifestyle.
C) Always a saprophyte: This is incorrect because they are primarily parasites and saprophytic behavior is conditional.
D) May acquire parasitic mode of life: This describes facultative parasites, not facultative saprophytes. Facultative parasites primarily live as saprophytes and occasionally become parasites, which is the reverse of facultative saprophytes.