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Parasitology
Definition: the study of parasites and their interaction with their host.
An interdisciplinary field including phylogeny, ecology, morphology, physiology, biochemistry, immunology, pharmacology, nutrition and more.
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Phoresis
when two symbionts travel together yet neither is physiologically depending on the other.
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Phoront
Definition: The smaller symbiont in a phoretic relationship which is mechanically carried by the Host from one place to another. It is not physiologically dependent on the host.
Example: Bacteria (phoront) on the legs of a fly (host).
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Commensalism
- Definition: When one symbiont (commensal) benefits from its relationship with the host; while the host is neither harmed, nor benefits.
- Neither is physiologically dependent on each other, and can survive independently.
Example: Hermit crabs carry sea anemones on their borrowed shells.
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Mutualism
Definition: two symbionts called mutualists both benefit from their association together and are physiologically dependent on one another. Mutuals cannot survive without being associated together.
Example: Lichens are a fungus and an algae that grow together. Coral reefs and zooxanthellae.
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Parasite
Definition: a symbiont that harms the host or at some way lives at the expense of the host. Often the smaller of the two organisms.
Examples: Flat worms, round worms, tape worms and ectoparasites.
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Temporary Parasite
Definition: a parasite that intermittently visits the host for food, or reproduction.
Example: Ticks, leeches, other micropredators
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Permanent Parasite
Definition: A parasite that is completely dependent on its host for a majority of its life cycle.
Example: Tape worms in the intestines
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Obligate Parasite
Definition: A parasite that is physiologically dependent on their host and cannot exist outside the host for any extended periods of time.
Example: Most parasites fall into this catagory
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Facultative Parasite
Definition: A parasite that only becomes parasitic when accidentally eaten or encountered, but that are typically free living organisms.
Example: Free living amoebas like Naegleria and nematodes like Micronema
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Accidental or Incidental Parasite
Definition: When a parasite accidentally enters or attaches to the body of the wrong host. It cannot stay long, but they may cause lots of harm while there.
Example: Bird flukes temporarily found in the skin of humans.
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Ectoparasite
Definition: a parasite that lives on the surface, or superficially embedded in the skin of the host.
Example: Leeches, ticks, fleas.
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Endoparasite
Definition: a parasite that lives internally in the digestive, or respiratory tract, liver, or urinary bladder.
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