Parasitic Symbiosis

Symbiosis refers to a long period interaction between two different species.  In some cases, both species benefit from the interaction and this is known as mutualism. The larger organism is considered a host because, in a symbiotic relationship, it is the larger organism on which the smaller organism depends. The smaller organism is considered to be a symbiont, that lives inside the host.

Parasitism is the type of symbiotic relationship or long-term relationship between any two species either plants or animals. Here the parasite gains benefits from the host which in turn harms the host without killing it.

Leeches, fleas, ticks, and lice are a few examples of parasites that don’t normally cause disease directly. They suck blood from the host without causing any harm to their host.