Parasite definition and meaning in context with images
/ˈpær.ə.saɪt/ (noun)
Definition of parasite
- an animal or plant that lives inside or on another animal or plant as the host organism and feeds from them, pest, flea, bloodsucker, bug, louse, insect
- a useless person who exploits other people without doing anything in return, scrounger, leech, sponge, sponger
Video of parasite
Parasite in context
Parasites are organisms that live on or inside another organism, known as the host, and derive nourishment from it. This relationship often harms the host, though it may not always kill it. Parasitism is a widespread phenomenon in the natural world, with parasites found in virtually every major group of organisms, from bacteria to mammals.
Parasites can be classified into two main types: ectoparasites and endoparasites. Ectoparasites live on the surface of their host, such as fleas, lice, and ticks. Endoparasites live inside their host’s body, such as tapeworms, roundworms, and malaria parasites. Some parasites have complex life cycles involving multiple hosts, while others have simpler life cycles with a single host.
Parasites play a significant role in shaping ecosystems. They can regulate populations of their hosts, influence food webs, and even drive the evolution of new species. Some parasites can cause serious diseases in humans and other animals, while others may have little or no effect. Understanding the biology and ecology of parasites is crucial for controlling parasitic diseases and conserving biodiversity.
Antonyms
host
Parts of speech
Adjective: parasitic
Adverb: parasitically
Noun: parasitism
