symbiosis

What is symbiosis?

Symbiosis is a relationship between members of different species, in which they live together for longer or shorter periods of time.

What are the characteristics of parasitism?

Parasitism is a type of symbiosis where a smaller partner (parasite) derives food and shelter from the body of a larger partner (host) and, in turn, harms it.

Define temporary parasitism and give examples.

In temporary parasitism, the parasite spends most of its life cycle as independent, free-living organisms, and only a part of its life cycle is spent as a parasite.

Examples: Leech, bed bug, mosquito.

Define permanent parasitism and give examples.

In permanent parasitism, the parasites spend their whole life cycle as parasites.

Examples: Many disease-causing bacteria, all viruses.

What are ectoparasites?

Ectoparasites live outside, specifically on the surface of the host's body, and obtain food from there.

Examples: Mosquitoes, leeches, lice.

What are endoparasites?

Endoparasites live inside the body of the host and get food and shelter.

Examples: Bacteria, viruses, tapeworm, Ascaris, Entamoeba, Plasmodium.

How do parasitic plants obtain nutrients?

Parasitic plants (e.g., Cuscuta, or dodder) grow special types of roots called haustoria into the host plant's body to suck required nutrients from its vascular tissues.