Parasites generally do not kill the host but may harm the host indirectly by spreading pathogens. This may affect the host's behaviour, metabolism or its reproductive activity. Many parasites have hooks, claws or suckers to attach to their host.
Does a parasite kills its host?
In contrast to typical predators, parasites do not always kill their hosts, and if they do, it may take a considerable amount of time, during which the parasite may be transmitted to other hosts, and the host remains in the community competing with other organisms for space, food, and mating partners.
Are parasites predators or prey?
Parasites can function as both predators and prey. Parasites that feed on hosts engage in a special type of predation (Raffel et al. 2008). Alternatively, parasites can also serve as important sources of prey (Figure 1).
Why do parasites kill their hosts?
Usually, although parasites harm their hosts, it is in the parasite's best interest not to kill the host, because it relies on the host's body and body functions, such as digestion or blood circulation, to live. Some parasitic animals attack plants.
How do parasites work?
A parasite is an organism that lives on or in a host organism and gets its food from or at the expense of its host. There are three main classes of parasites that can cause disease in humans: protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites. Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan. A microscope is necessary to view this parasite.
