Table of Contents
What is Parasitism?
Parasitism is a type of symbiotic relationship between two organisms in which one benefits while the other is harmed. The parasite lives off of the host organism, often taking nutrients and resources that the host needs to survive. The host organism is often weakened or killed by the parasite.
Types of Parasites
There are three types of parasites: obligate, facultative, and accidental.
An obligate parasite is one that cannot survive outside of a host. This type of parasite typically has a very close relationship with its host, and often lives in or on the host’s body. An example of an obligate parasite is the human hookworm.
A facultative parasite is one that can survive outside of a host, but that typically prefers to live inside a host. This type of parasite typically does not have a very close relationship with its host, and often lives in the environment instead of on the host’s body. An example of a facultative parasite is the common cold virus.
An accidental parasite is one that does not typically rely on a host to survive. However this type of parasite often lives in the environment and can be transmitted to a host through contact with infected soil, water, or food. An example of an accidental parasite is the roundworm.
Parasites on the Basis of the Life Cycle
Parasites are organisms that live in or on another organism and derive benefits from that relationship, often at the expense of the host. There are many different types of parasites, and they can be classified based on their life cycle.
One common classification system for parasites is based on their life cycle stage in the host. There are three main life cycle stages:
- Eggs: Parasites that lay eggs are said to have an oviparous life cycle. Therefore the eggs hatch and the young parasites enter the host’s body.
- Larvae: Parasites that undergo a larval stage are said to have a larviparous life cycle. The larvae enter the host’s body and develop into adults.
- Adults: Parasites that do not go through a larval stage are said to have a direct life cycle. The adults enter the host’s body and reproduce.
Some parasites can have multiple life cycle stages, depending on the host. For example, malaria parasites have an oviparous stage in mosquitoes and a direct stage in humans.
Another way to classify parasites is by their method of transmission. There are three main transmission methods:
- Contact transmission: Parasites that spread through direct contact with an infected host said to have a contact transmission life cycle.
- Vector-borne transmission: Parasites that spread through contact with an infected vector said to have
Parasites on the Basis of their Strategies
There are three general types of parasites: obligate, facultative, and accidental.
Obligate parasites are completely dependent on their host for survival and cannot live outside of it. Facultative parasites can live either inside or outside of their host, but they are more successful when they are inside. Accidental parasites are not dependent on their host and only use it as a means of transportation.
Obligate parasites typically have a more complex life cycle than facultative parasites. This complexity can make them more difficult to treat. Obligate parasites also tend to be more specialized in their host selection, meaning they only infect a specific type of organism. Facultative parasites are more general in their host selection and can infect a wider range of organisms.
Accidental parasites are typically more benign than obligate or facultative parasites. They typically do not cause as much damage to their host and are easier to treat.
Other Types of Parasites:
There are many different types of parasites that can infect animals, including tapeworms, flukes, and roundworms. These parasites can cause a variety of health problems in their hosts, including weight loss, diarrhea, and even death. In some cases, parasites can also infect people, causing similar health problems.
Advantages of Having Parasites Around
There are many advantages of having parasites around, the most important of which is that they help to keep the population of harmful insects in check. Parasites also help to improve the soil quality by breaking down organic matter, and some of them even help to pollinate plants. Additionally, parasites can provide a food source for other animals, and some of them even help to control the spread of diseases.
