What is the definition of parasitism?

Answer

Parasitism is the word given to describe the action of a parasite. A parasite is an organism that lives with another organism (symbiosis.) However, a parasite only takes from its host, it does not contribute to the relationship in such a way that its host benefits. Some parasites are harmless, but others will parasitise until the death of their host. This usually results in the parasite's death but if it has already reproduced, this is of no consequence to it.

Examples: A tick feeding off a dog. (The tick takes blood from the dog - energy and food - but does not give anything to the dog in return.)
Mistletoe feeding off a tree. (The mistletoe has leaves and makes its own food, but takes water and sometimes sap from its host.)

The following are NOT examples of parasitism:
Herons picking ticks off cattle. (The herons are not taking something directly from the cows, they are killing true parasites. The cow is gaining something from this relationship - ticks are being removed from it.)
Barnacles living on a whale. (The barnacles are not taking anything from the whale, they are just taking advantage of it as an area to live.)

Gestating young of any animal. (The gestating young are of the same species as the parents, and do not act as parasites in seeking out hosts on which to feed.)

First answer by ID3576305049. Last edit by Yodavater. Contributor trust: 21 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 57 [recommend question]

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