Chapter 15- Parasitism/ Mutualism

What are the three effects of parasites on host populations?

1. Large impacts, especially in populations with no evolved defenses 2. Density-dependent regulators. Outbreaks when host density 3. Selective agent mortality protect

Parasite

An organism that lives on or in a host (living organism) and causes harm to the host. It does not consume/kill the host

What is the difference between Batesian and Mullerian mimicry?

Batesian mimicry is when a harmless species mimics the traits of a dangerous species to avoid predation. Mullerian mimicry is when similar species mimic similar traits to avoid predation.

A heavy parasitic load can _______ reproduction of host organism. (Increase or decrease)

Decrease

What is the difference between endoparasites and ectoparasites?

Ectoparasites are parasites that live on the hosts skin within the protective cover of feathers and hair. Endoparasites live within the host.

What does symbiosis mean?

Interaction between two different organisms living in close physical association.

How can mutualism influence a population?

Mutualism can increase the fitness of both species thus affecting both populations. If one species is negatively affected, then the other organism will suffer too.

• Can parasitism turn into mutualism?

Mutualism can turn into parasitism BUT parasitism cannot turn into mutualism.

What is the difference between parasitism and mutualism?

Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship in which both species benefit. Commensalism is a symbiotic relationship in which one species benefits while the other species is not affected. Parasitism is a symbiotic relationship in which one species (the parasite) benefits while the other species (the host) is harmed.

What does non-symbiotic mutualism mean?

Mutuliastic interaction where the mutualists live independent lives yet cannot survive without each other. Ex: bees and flowering plants

Parasitism

Only organism benefits from the relationship, while the host is harmed

Direct vs. Indirect transmission

Transmission of parasite from one host to another through a direct physical contact is called direct transmission. Some parasites are transmitted from one host to another by a carrier or an intermediate host (vectors) is known as indirect transmission.

species that kill their prey more or less immediately upon capture

True predator

How do parasites influence mortality and reproduction?

While parasites don't kill their hosts, the fecundity of populations decrease as the host organisms struggle for survival.

Vector

an intermediate host that transfers a pathogen or a parasite to another organism

infection

heavy load of parasites in an organism/population

The similarity between coral and king snakes are an example of

mimicry

Holoparasites

non-photosynthetic plant that needs other photosynthetic plants to gain their nutrients