Symbiosis & Parasitism

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to symbiosis, parasitism, and marine ecology as discussed in the lecture.

Symbiotic Relationship

A close, long-term association between two or more different species of organisms.

Mutualism

A form of symbiosis in which two species associate for their mutual benefit.

Commensalism

Association whereby there is a clear example of benefit to one member whilst not harming the other

Inquilinism

Subdivision of commensalism in which one animal lives in the home of another, or in its digestive tract, without being parasitic

Algal Symbionts

Typically classified into groups on the basis of their colour. Common types are Zooxanthellae (brown, yellow, golden cells), Zoochlorellae (green), and Cyanellae (blue-green)

Prevalence

The proportion of infected hosts at a given time.

Intensity

Number of parasite individuals of a particular species in each infected host

Mean Intensity

Total number of individuals of a particular parasite species in a sample of host species/number of infected individual hosts in the sample

Abundance

Total number of individuals of a particular parasite species in a sample of host species/number of individual hosts in the sample

Parasitism

‘close association of two organisms, in which one – the parasite – depends on the other – the host – deriving some benefit from it’