The majority of parasite species are highly host-specific, and there are only few true generalist species.
Why do parasites have high host specificity?
Host specificity is influenced by the behavior and ecology of both parasite and host. Where parasites are active, vagile and coupled with hosts whose behavior and ecology brings the parasite into contact with many potential hosts, the likelihood of host switching is increased, usually leading to lowered specificity.
Are parasites specific?
Some parasites can be generalists, feeding on a wide range of hosts, but many parasites, and the majority of protozoans and helminths that parasitise animals, are specialists and extremely host-specific.
Do parasites only have one host?
Parasites with direct life cycles spend most of their adult lives in one host, known as the parasitic stage, with their progeny transmitted from one host to another, known as the free-living stage.
Do parasites have to be a different species than the host?
By definition, parasites are those animals which occupy the last niche, i.e. live in or on another species, their host. Parasitism is a form of symbiosis, an intimate relationship between two different species. ... >Helminth parasites>Arthropod parasites>Index to parasite species
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