Symbiosis Flashcards
What is symbiosis?
Symbiosis refers to a relationship between two organisms from different species
Explain parasitic symbiotic relationship
where one organism benefits from the relationship and the other is harmed. Parasitism refers to a relationship where one species benefits at the expense of the other. A parasite benefits in terms of energy or nutrients, whereas its host is harmed by the loss of these resources.
Explain mutualistic symbiotic relationships
where both organisms benefit from the relationship. Organisms in mutualistic relationships exchange metabolites and are structurally compatible.
What is a feature of parasites?
Parasites often have a limited metabolism so cannot survive out of contact with its host.
Explain parasite transmission through direct contact
Some parasites spread from one host to the next by physical contact. For example head lice pass from one person to another by direct contact
Explain parasite transmission through resistant stages
Resistant stages are a part of the parasites lifecycle where they are resistant to adverse environmental conditions and can survive for long periods of time.
what is a vector
A vector is a carrier which allows a parasite to pass from one host to another.
What are secondary hosts?
In this case part of the lifecycle is spent in a different organism, known as an intermediate (secondary) host. In most cases this is beneficial to the parasite as it increases the chance of its offspring being transmitted to the primary host and many parasites are capable of increasing in numbers inside their intermediate (secondary) host by asexual reproduction.
