Parasiittilajeja

Parasiittilajeja, known in English as parasitic species, are organisms that live in or on another organism called a host. They derive nutrients and shelter from the host, often to the host's detriment. This relationship is known as parasitism, a form of symbiosis where one organism benefits and the other is harmed. Parasites can be found across all kingdoms of life, from viruses and bacteria to fungi, plants, and animals.

Parasitic strategies vary widely. Some parasites, like tapeworms, live inside the host's digestive system and absorb nutrients directly from digested food. Others, such as ticks and mosquitoes, feed on the host's blood externally. Many parasites have complex life cycles, often involving multiple hosts to reach maturity. For example, some parasitic wasps lay their eggs inside other insects, and the hatching larvae consume the host from within.

The impact of parasites on their hosts can range from mild irritation to severe disease and death. Parasites play a significant role in ecosystems by influencing host populations, biodiversity, and evolution. They can act as natural regulators, preventing any single host species from becoming too dominant. Understanding parasitic species is crucial for fields like medicine, agriculture, and conservation, as they can cause diseases in humans and livestock and threaten wild populations.