EcologyLesson 5 of 5 in the course Predation and competition

Parasitism: Host Relationships, Transmission Strategies, and Ecological Effects

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Parasitism is a widespread relationship in which one organism benefits while another is harmed. This lesson introduces the basic features of parasitism and the vocabulary used to describe parasite–host relationships.

Parasitism is a close, persistent biological interaction in which a parasite lives on or inside a host, obtains resources from it, and causes it some harm. The parasite may feed directly on the host or consume resources the host has acquired. Parasites include protozoans such as Plasmodium, animals such as lice and tapeworms, fungi such as ringworm-causing fungi, and plants such as mistletoe and dodder.

All flashcards

What is parasitism?
A close biological relationship in which a parasite obtains resources or another benefit from a host and causes the host harm.
What is an endoparasite?
A parasite that lives inside its host's body, such as an intestinal tapeworm.
What is an ectoparasite?
A parasite that lives on the outside of its host, such as a louse or tick.
What distinguishes an obligate parasite from a facultative parasite?
An obligate parasite must use a host to complete its life cycle; a facultative parasite can live independently but may exploit a host.
What is a definitive host?
The host in which a parasite reaches maturity or reproduces sexually. An indirect life cycle may also include intermediate hosts.

Quiz questions

  1. What is the defining effect of parasitism on its participants?Answer: The parasite benefits while the host is harmed.
  2. How does parasitism usually differ from predation?Answer: Parasites are usually smaller and remain associated longer without killing hosts.
  3. Where does an endoparasite live?Answer: Inside the host's body.
  4. A parasite can live independently but sometimes exploits a host. How is it classified?Answer: As a facultative parasite.
  5. What identifies a definitive host in a parasite's life cycle?Answer: It is where the parasite matures or reproduces sexually.

Based on the Wikipedia article Parasitism, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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