The Parasite Niche Flashcards
What is parasitism?
a symbiotic interaction between a parasite and its host (+/-)
What do parasites gain at the expense of its host?
Benefits in terms of nutrients
Unlike in a predator-prey relationship what is the reproductive potential like of the parasite?
Greater than that of the host
What kind of niche do most parasites have?
They have a narrow (specialised) niche as they are very host-specific
Because the hosts provides so many of the parasite’s needs what are many parasites?
Many parasites are degenerate lacking structures and organs found in other organisms. For example, tape worms lack a digestive system so live in the intestines of animals to absorb their digested food
Where does an ectoparasite live?
on the surface of its host
Where does an endoparasite live?
within the tissues of its host
