biology - 5aii - the parasite niche Flashcards
1
Q
What is parasitism?
A
A symbiotic interaction between
a parasite and its host (+/-).
2
Q
What does a parasite gain benefit in terms of?
A
Nutrients at the expense of its host.
3
Q
Unlike in a predator-prey relationship, what is the reproductive potential of the parasite?
A
Greater than that of the host.
4
Q
What do most parasites have?
A
A narrow (specialised) niche as they are very host-specific.
5
Q
As the host provides so many of the parasite’s needs, what are many parasites?
A
Degenerate, lacking structures and organs found in other organisms.
6
Q
What does an ectoparasite live on?
A
The surface of its host, whereas an endoparasite lives within the tissues of its host.
