Parasitism

Parasitism is a type of symbiotic relationship where one organism, the parasite, benefits at the expense of another organism, the host. The parasite derives nutrients and shelter from the host while the host is harmed in the process. This relationship is common in the natural world and can be found in various ecosystems.

Key Concepts to Understand

• Parasite: an organism that lives on or in a host organism and benefits at the host's expense.
• Host: the organism that the parasite lives on or in, and is harmed by the relationship.
• Symbiotic Relationship: a close ecological relationship between two different species that interact with and often depend on one another.
• Examples: Some common examples of parasitism include ticks on a dog, tapeworms in the intestines of animals, and mistletoe growing on trees.

Study Guide

Here are some key points to remember when studying parasitism:

1. Define parasitism and identify the roles of the parasite and the host.
2. Understand the concept of a symbiotic relationship and how parasitism fits into this category.
3. Be able to provide examples of parasitism in different ecosystems and explain how the parasite benefits and the host is harmed.
4. Discuss the impact of parasitism on the balance of ecosystems and the overall health of populations.

Understanding parasitism is important in understanding the interconnectedness of organisms in an ecosystem and the delicate balance that exists in nature.