What describes a facultative saprophyte?

A facultative saprophyte is characterized by its ability to thrive on dead organic matter while also having the capability to parasitize living plants if the opportunity arises. This nutritional versatility allows it to switch between living and dead hosts, making it a flexible and adaptable organism in terms of its energy and nutrient sources.

Choosing this option highlights a fundamental understanding of how certain pathogens can exploit different environmental conditions and host types. This adaptability is crucial for survival, especially in fluctuating ecosystems where the availability of living hosts might vary. In contrast, the other options describe characteristics of pathogens with more specific or limited lifestyles, making them less applicable to the description of facultative saprophytes.