Symbiotic Relationship: Parasitism
By: Joshua Miller
Symbiosis is a long term relationship between two unlike organisms. In a symbiotic relationship, one or both of the species entirely depend of each other for their survival. In a parasitic relationship, one of the species is harmed while the other benefits. Parasites can live inside the host’s body which are called endoparasites or they can live on the host’s surface. These are called ectoparasites. Nectrotrophic parasites kill their host while Biotrotrophic parasites rely on their host surviving. At least half of all animals have had a parasite in their lifetime. Plants can also carry parasites.
Some examples of parasites in humans are Tapeworms and Roundworm. Some examples of parasites on animals are ticks, fleas, and different internal parasitic worms. Some examples of parasites on plants include fungus and bugs like aphids.
In conclusion, symbiotic parasitism is a non-mutual relationship between species, where one species (parasite) benefits at the expense of another species (the host). Endoparasites live inside the host’s body and ectoparasites live on the outside of the body. Although parasites harm their hosts, it is in the parasite's best interest not to kill the host, because it relies on the host's body to live. Parasites are smaller than their host organism and can reproduce quicker, causing more damage to the host.
By: Joshua Miller
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symbiosis
What type of organisms are "unlike organisms"?
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