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HomeHomework HelpbiologyParasitism

Parasitism

Parasitism is a symbiotic relationship between two organisms in which one organism, the parasite, benefits at the expense of the other organism, the host, often causing harm or detriment to the host's health or fitness. This interaction typically involves the parasite deriving nutrients or resources from the host while the host suffers negative effects.

intermediate
2 hours
Biology
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Overview

Parasitism is a fascinating and complex relationship in nature where one organism, the parasite, benefits at the expense of another, the host. This relationship can take many forms, from ectoparasites like fleas that live on the skin of their hosts to endoparasites like tapeworms that reside within ...

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Key Terms

Parasite
An organism that lives on or in a host and benefits at the host's expense.

Example: Tapeworms are parasites that live in the intestines of their hosts.

Host
An organism that provides nourishment and habitat for a parasite.

Example: Humans can be hosts for various parasites, including lice and worms.

Ectoparasite
A parasite that lives on the outside of its host.

Example: Fleas and ticks are ectoparasites.

Endoparasite
A parasite that lives inside its host.

Example: Roundworms are endoparasites found in the intestines.

Symbiosis
A close and long-term interaction between two different species.

Example: Parasitism is a type of symbiosis.

Life Cycle
The series of stages through which a parasite passes from one generation to the next.

Example: The life cycle of a malaria parasite includes both mosquito and human stages.

Related Topics

Mutualism
A symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit.
intermediate
Commensalism
A relationship where one organism benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed.
intermediate
Disease Ecology
The study of how diseases affect populations and ecosystems.
advanced

Key Concepts

hostparasitesymbiosislife cycle