Lecture on Parasitism

These flashcards cover key concepts about parasitism, including types of parasites, their interactions with hosts, and the outcomes of these relationships.

What do parasites typically feed on?

Parasites typically feed on one or a few host species.

How do host species interact with parasites?

Host species can have multiple parasite species.

What is the primary characteristic of macroparasites?

Macroparasites are usually macroscopic ectoparasites.

What is a notable example of a macroparasite?

The human botfly, Dermatobia hominis, is an example of a macroparasite.

What are some examples of ectoparasites?

Examples include body louse, head louse, and crab louse.

What do endoparasites do?

Endoparasites live inside their host.

What is a scolex?

A scolex is an attachment structure found in some endoparasites.

What are phytoalexins?

Phytoalexins are antimicrobial compounds produced by plants in response to microparasite infection.

How do chimpanzees defend against nematode infections?

They eat plants containing chemicals that kill or paralyze nematodes.

What hosts are affected by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite?

Plasmodium falciparum infects humans through the Anopheles mosquito.

What is the relationship between host and parasite populations?

They can evolve together, responding to the selection pressures imposed by one another.

What is the impact of the Myxoma virus on European rabbits?

The Myxoma virus has reduced the population of European rabbits in Australia.

What can parasites alter in communities?

Parasites can alter the outcomes of species interactions, leading to changes in communities.

What is a key disadvantage of endoparasitism?

Endoparasites are vulnerable to the host's immune system.

What is the significant effect of the plague caused by Yersinia pestis?

The plague may have reduced the world population from approximately 475 million to 350-375 million in the 14th century.

How can host defenses against parasites be described?

Hosts have mechanisms for defending against parasites.

What happens when a sporozoite enters a liver cell?

It divides to form merozoites.

What are consequences of schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection?

Schistosomiasis can lead to significant morbidity in infected populations.

What are host-parasite coevolution dynamics?

They describe how each influences the evolution of the other.

What is the primary vector for malaria?

The primary vector for malaria is the Anopheles mosquito.