Topic 13: Paratism and Mutualism Flashcards
What is symbiotic VS non-symbiotic?
symbiotic meaning long term relationship.
non-symbiotic meaning short term relationship
What is facultative VS obligate?
facultative is optional for the the organism and is not required for the survival of either.
obligate is required, and necessary for survival.
What is mutualistic VS commensalistic VS parasitic?
mutualistic: +ve, both organisms benefit.
commensalistic: one benefits more than the other, which is neutral.
parasitic: one benefits at the expense of another.
How do parasites increase their fitness?
parasites increase their fitness by exploiting a host organism VIA food, habitat (safe), dispersal.
What does it mean for a parasite to be specialists VS generalists?
specialists - infect only one species (niche is narrow in that regard)
generalists - affect many species.
What are microparasites? Give an example of microparasites.
microparasites are unicellular. small size and develop rapidly.
includes viruses, bacteria and fungi
What are macroparasites? Give an example of macroparasites.
macroparasites are multicellular. large size and develop slowly, often have complex host systems.
includes flatworms, roundworms, lice, fleas, etc.
What are ectoparasites?
live on the skin, within the hair, or feathers of their host.
What are endoparasites?
live within the hosts body, in the heart, brain, spinal cord, nasal tract, lungs, digestive tract or circulatory system.
Discuss the trade offs between endo and ectoparasites in regards to dispersal, reproduction and protection.
dispersal:
- ecto: easy, can move via contact.
- endo: dispersal requires getting offspring out of host which is difficult.
reproduction:
- ecto: easy to find partner.
- endo: challenging; move through host body to find partner.
protection:
- ecto: not well protected.
- endo: good bc inside host. more difficult to get rid of.
What is direct transmission VS indirect transmission?
direct: parasite is transferred from one host to another directly.
indirect: parasite is transferred from one host to an intermediate (vector) and then to another host.
What is the 1st line of defence mechanisms against parasites?
grooming or preening to remove ectoparasites.
inflammatory response for endoparasites.
What is the 2nd line of defence mechanisms against parasites?
immune response: WBC produce antibodies to target specific antigens on the parasites surface.
What is mutualism?
mutualism is defined as an interaction between members of two species that serves to benefit both parties involved.
