Parasitism Flashcards

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What is parasitism?

A relationship where one organism (the parasite) lives on or in a host and benefits. The host is harmed.

What do the terms parasite and host mean?

The parasite gets food or shelter from another organism. The host is the organism that is harmed.

What is the difference between an ectoparasite and an endoparasite?

An ectoparasite lives on the outside of its host, like a flea. An endoparasite lives inside its host, like a tapeworm.

Give two examples of a parasite and its host.

Flea on a dog. Tapeworm in a human intestine.

How is a tapeworm adapted to live in the intestine?

It has hooks and suckers to attach. It absorbs digested food through its surface and makes many eggs.

How is a flea adapted for parasitism?

It has piercing mouthparts to suck blood and long legs to jump to a host. It has a tough body.

How does mistletoe parasitise a tree?

It pushes roots into the tree's tissues to steal water and minerals. This can reduce the tree's growth.

In malaria, name the parasite and the vector.

Parasite: Plasmodium. Vector: the female Anopheles mosquito.

What harm can parasites cause to their hosts?

They take nutrients or blood and can cause disease or irritation. This can lead to weakness and slower growth.

Why do parasites usually not kill their host quickly?

They rely on the host for food and shelter. Keeping the host alive helps them survive and spread.

Name two ways parasites can spread between hosts.

By direct contact, like head lice. By eating undercooked or contaminated food or water, like tapeworm eggs.

How can people reduce the risk of parasitic infection?

Keep good hygiene and cook meat well. Treat pets for fleas and use insect repellent or bed nets in malaria areas.

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