What defines parasitism?

Prepare for the DSST Environmental Science Test. Access quizzes with multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations. Study effectively and succeed in your exam!

Parasitism is defined as a relationship where one organism, known as the parasite, lives on or within another organism, referred to as the host, and derives nutrients at the host's expense. This interaction typically results in harm to the host, as the parasite often takes resources that the host needs to survive, grow, or reproduce.

In contrast to mutualism, where both species benefit, or commensalism, where one benefits without affecting the other, parasitism is specifically characterized by the negative impact on the host. Parasitism can manifest in various forms, such as external parasites like ticks or internal parasites like tapeworms, emphasizing the detrimental nature of this relationship for the host organism involved.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy