Parasitism Overview

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which of the following is an example of an endoparasite?

Tick

Roundworm (correct)

Flea

Leech

Commensalism involves one species benefiting while the other is harmed.

False

What is the primary mechanism by which Plasmodium falciparum spreads?

Mosquitos

Fleas primarily affect their hosts by sucking their ______.

blood Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of parasites to their effects or characteristics:

Tape Worms = Endoparasites in the gut Ticks = Ectoparasites feeding on skin Fleas = Blood-sucking ectoparasites Lice = Infestation of human hosts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can be treated with special shampoo?

Lice Signup and view all the answers

Ticks and leeches both live permanently on their host.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name a plant example of parasitism.

Mistletoe on apple trees Signup and view all the answers

The life cycle of Ascaris involves larvae being coughed up and then ______.

swallowed Signup and view all the answers

What type of relationship is parasitism?

Symbiotic Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following organisms is an example of an endoparasite?

Roundworm Signup and view all the answers

A parasite typically kills its host in order to benefit itself.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the parasitic worm most commonly found in humans?

Ascaris Signup and view all the answers

Mistletoe plants are considered _____ because they obtain water and nutrients from their host plants.

parasitic Signup and view all the answers

Match the following parasites with their effects on the host:

Tick = May cause skin irritation and disease Roundworm = Can lead to digestive issues Mistletoe = Extracts nutrients from host Fungal parasite = May weaken host's immune system Signup and view all the answers

What is the most significant risk factor for Ascaris infections?

Living in tropical and subtropical countries Signup and view all the answers

Ectoparasites, like lice, live inside their host.

False Signup and view all the answers

Describe the fecal-oral route of Ascaris infection in humans.

Infection occurs when contaminated food or water is ingested, leading to the hatching of eggs in the intestines. Signup and view all the answers

The type of harm caused by a parasite to its host may include _____ and greater vulnerability to predators.

shortened lifespan Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic unique to parasitism compared to commensalism?

One species benefits while the other is harmed Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Parasitism

Parasitism is a symbiotic relationship where one species (the parasite) benefits, and the other (the host) is harmed.
Parasites obtain food from their host.
Parasites may not kill their host.
Examples include ticks, mistletoe, parasitic fungi, roundworms, fleas, lice, lungworms, and tapeworms
Parasites can be insects, worms, crustaceans, plants, fungi, or microbes.
Parasites often outnumber free-living species by a ratio of about four to one.
Ectoparasites live on the host's exterior (e.g., ticks, mistletoe).
Endoparasites live inside the host (e.g., parasitic fungi, roundworms).
Harm to the host can vary from minor to severe, impacting lifespan, function (digestion, photosynthesis, reproduction), and vulnerability to predators.
Roundworms affect pigs, cows, sheep, dogs, and humans.
Ascaris is a common parasitic roundworm in humans.
A significant portion of the human population is estimated to be infected by roundworms at some point.
Ascaris lumbricoides infects humans via the fecal-oral route.
Fertilised eggs from adult female worms in human intestines are shed in feces.
Infection occurs when a human ingests contaminated water or food.
Larvae hatch in the intestines of the host.
Larvae penetrate the blood, travel around the body, and potentially reach the lungs.
Lungworms are a parasite affecting bighorn sheep.
Tapeworms are endoparasites found in the gut of mammals.
They obtain nourishment from the partially digested food of the host, depriving the host of nutrients.
Some examples of other ectoparasites include ticks, leeches, and fleas.
Lice affect humans: body lice, head lice, and pubic lice.
Lampreys attach themselves to host fish using a sucker mouth and feed on the host's blood and tissues.
Plasmodium falciparum is a single-celled parasite that causes malaria.
Malaria is spread primarily by mosquitoes that introduce the parasite into the host's body.

Commensalism

Commensalism is a symbiotic relationship where one species benefits, and the other remains unaffected.
Animals nesting in tree hollows (e.g., birds, possums) benefit, while the tree is unaffected.
Epiphytes (smaller plants such as orchids, ferns, mosses, liverworts, and lichens) grow on trees, benefiting from sunlight and rainwater, but the tree is not affected in the majority of cases.
Remora fish attach to larger predatory fish (e.g., sharks) and feed on uneaten food scraps. The sharks are unaffected.
Barnacles attach to whales, receiving free transport but offering no benefit or harm to the whale.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the intricate relationship between parasites and their hosts in this quiz on parasitism. Learn about various types of parasites, their effects on hosts, and significant examples. Test your knowledge of ecto- and endoparasites.