Define Parasites, Total Parasites and Partial Parasites

Define Parasites, Total Parasites and Partial Parasites?

Answer: Parasites

A parasite is a plant or animal that extracts resources from a bigger species by living on, with, or inside it. 

The parasite can cause harm to the host in certain circumstances, while it is absolutely innocuous in others. Ectoparasites, endoparasites, and meso parasites are the three types of parasites.

Ectoparasites are parasites that live outside of the host and cause itching and rash in the location where they live. Endoparasites are parasites that live inside the host’s body, mainly in the circulation, muscles, and digestive system.

Meso Parasites are parasites that enter the human body through a small entrance and partially implant themselves on the host.

Total Parasites

A total parasite is one that relies entirely here on the host for all of its needs. Holoparasites are plants that are completely parasitic. 

They don’t make their own food and instead feed on the host’s sap. The most typical example of total parasite plants is Cuscuta (dodder). The plant’s leaves have been reduced to tiny scales. Holoparasitic plants have haustoria, which are specialised roots.

Endoparasites and ectoparasites are two names that are commonly used to denote parasitic creatures. Endoparasites dwell inside animals’ bodies, but ectoparasites live outside of them.

Partial Parasites

Non-nutrient parasites that rely on the host for water or shelter are known as partial parasites. Hemiparasites are plants that are partially parasitic. 

Mistletoe, which is an obligatory stem hemiparasite, Indian sandalwood (Santalum album), Velvet Bells (Bartsia alpina), Rattle plants (Rhinanthus), and Indian paintbrush are also instances of hemiparasites.

Another form of hemiparasite is the Western Australian Christmas tree (Nuytsia floribunda), which is an obligatory root of hemiparasite. Another facultative root hemiparasite is the yellow rattle (Rhinanthus).