The Parasite Niche

Question 1

What is parasitism?

Answer 1

a symbiotic interaction between a parasite and its host (+/-)

Question 2

What do parasites gain at the expense of its host?

Answer 2

Benefits in terms of nutrients

Question 3

Unlike in a predator-prey relationship what is the reproductive potential like of the parasite?

Answer 3

Greater than that of the host

Question 4

What kind of niche do most parasites have?

Answer 4

They have a narrow (specialised) niche as they are very host-specific

Question 5

Because the hosts provides so many of the parasite’s needs what are many parasites?

Answer 5

Many parasites are degenerate lacking structures and organs found in other organisms. For example, tape worms lack a digestive system so live in the intestines of animals to absorb their digested food

Question 6

Where does an ectoparasite live?

Answer 6

on the surface of its host

Question 7

Where does an endoparasite live?

Answer 7

within the tissues of its host