Biomes And Ecosystems Questions Medium
Parasitism is a type of symbiotic relationship between two organisms where one organism, known as the parasite, benefits at the expense of the other organism, known as the host. The parasite relies on the host for resources such as food, shelter, or nutrients, while the host is harmed or negatively affected by the interaction.
An example of parasitism is the relationship between a tick and a dog. Ticks are external parasites that attach themselves to the skin of animals, including dogs, to feed on their blood. The tick benefits from the blood meal, which provides it with necessary nutrients for survival and reproduction. However, the dog is harmed as the tick's feeding can cause irritation, itching, and in some cases, transmit diseases. In this example, the tick is the parasite, and the dog is the host.