There are various types of parasitism and are classified based on their size, characteristics, interactions with their hosts and their life cycles.
Obligate Parasitism
This is the kind of parasitism in which the parasite is completely dependent on the host to complete its life cycle. Obligate parasites cannot survive without the host. Therefore, they do not severely harm the host. Fungi, bacteria and viruses exhibit obligate parasitism. For eg., head lice, when removed from the human scalp, dies.
Facultative Parasitism
In this kind of parasitism, the parasite is not completely dependent on the host to complete its life cycle and can survive without the host. A nematode species Strongyloides stercoralis is found free-living but causes a disease strongyloidiasis when it infects humans.
Ectoparasitism
The parasites that live outside the body of the host exhibit ectoparasitism. For eg., lice and ticks
Endoparasitism
Parasites that live inside the body of a host exhibit endoparasitism. For eg., hookworms and nematodes.
Mesoparasitism
The parasites that enter the external openings of the host exhibit mesoparasitism.
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