Organisms that grow, feed, and shelter on or in another organism while contributing nothing to the survival of that organism are called what?

The term that describes organisms that grow, feed, and shelter on or in another organism while contributing nothing to that organism's survival is "parasites." Parasites are characterized by their dependence on a host for nourishment and other aspects of their life cycle, often harming the host in the process. This relationship is detrimental to the host organism, as the parasite may consume vital nutrients or cause disease and discomfort.

Understanding the nature of parasites is crucial in fields like biology and health, as it helps in identifying and managing relationships between different organisms. These interactions can have significant implications for the host's health, and recognizing the signs of parasitic infestation is essential for effective treatment and prevention.

The other terms mentioned relate to different concepts: cocci refer to a specific shape of bacteria; fungi are a separate group of organisms that may form symbiotic relationships but are not strictly parasites; and carriers typically refer to organisms that harbor pathogens without showing symptoms themselves, rather than organisms that actively exploit a host.