Parasites are organisms that live on or inside another organism (the host) and obtain nutrients and other benefits from the host, often at the host’s expense. There are two main types of parasites:
Parasites
These parasites depend entirely on the host for their survival and reproduction. They are usually specialized for living on or inside a specific host species and are not able to survive outside of the host. Examples of complete parasites include tapeworms, lice, and malaria parasites.
Plant-based parasites obtain all of the nutrients they need from the host by sucking the sap. Cuscuta is the most prevalent illustration of a parasitic plant (dodder plant). These parasitic plants have haustoria, which is a unique type of root system, and reduced tiny-scale leaves.
Haustoria let the parasitic plant ingest nutrients by penetrating the host tissues. In addition, endoparasites and ectoparasites are the two categories of animal parasites. Ectoparasites inhabit the surfaces of animals’ bodies, while endoparasites live inside their bodies. Additionally, parasites in animals may be harmful or nonpathogenic. As a result, they might lead to sickness in their hosts’ animals.
Partial parasites
These parasites are able to survive and reproduce on their own, but they also obtain some benefits from the host. They are not as specialized as complete parasites and may be able to live on or inside multiple host species. Examples of partial parasites include mistletoe, which obtains some of its nutrients from the tree it grows on, and some species of birds that feed on the eggs or chicks of other birds.
Most partial parasites are plant-based. Some examples include mistletoe, Santalum album (Indian sandalwood), Rhinanthus (rattle plants), etc. The Western Australian Christmas tree (Nuytsia floribunda) and yellow rattle Rhinanthus are two examples of obligate root partial parasites and facultative root partial parasites, respectively.
What are the Similarities Between Parasites and Partial Parasites?
- Parasites and partial parasites depend on host organisms to fulfill one or more requirements.
- In addition, both types depend on their host for shelter.
What is the Difference Between Parasites and Partial Parasites?
There are several key differences between complete and partial parasites:
- Dependence on the host: Complete parasites depend entirely on the host for their survival and reproduction, while partial parasites are able to survive and reproduce on their own but also obtain some benefits from the host.
- Specialization: Complete parasites are usually specialized for living on or inside a specific host species, while partial parasites are not as specialized and may be able to live on or inside multiple host species.
- Impact on the host: Complete parasites can have significant impacts on the health of the host, while the impact of partial parasites on the host may be less severe.
- Control and prevention: Complete parasites are generally more difficult to control and prevent than partial parasites because of their high dependence on the host.
Other types Of Parasites
There are many other types of parasites, including:
- Protozoan parasites – these are single-celled organisms that can cause diseases such as malaria, amoebiasis, and giardiasis. They can be transmitted through contaminated food or water or through the bites of insects such as mosquitoes.
- Helminth parasites – these are worms that can infect the body through ingestion or penetration of the skin. They can cause diseases such as ascariasis, hookworm disease, and schistosomiasis.
- Arthropod parasites – these are insects or other arthropods that can live on or inside the body of the host. They can cause diseases such as lice infestations, malaria, and tick-borne diseases.
- Ectoparasites – these are parasites that live on the surface of the host’s body. Examples include lice, ticks, and mites.
- Endoparasites – these are parasites that live inside the body of the host. They can be found in the host’s digestive system, respiratory system, or other internal organs. Examples include tapeworms, roundworms, and flukes.
Summary – Parasites vs Partial Parasites
The impact they have on the host organism is the primary distinction between parasites and partial parasites. Overall, parasites rely entirely on their host for all of their needs, including nutrients. Partial parasites, however, only rely on the host for food and shelter; they do not require nutrients.
Partial parasites can photosynthesize and make their own food because they contain chlorophyll. While total parasites include both plants and animals, partial parasites are primarily plant-based. Additionally, there are two types of animal parasites: ectoparasites and endoparasites. The distinction between parasites and partial parasites is thus summed up in this.
Reference:
1. “Parasitism.” The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th Ed, Encyclopedia.com, 2019, Available here.
2. Westwood, James H. “Parasitic Plant.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 17 Nov. 2017, Available here.