In this type of nutrition, the organisms (called parasites) depend on the body of other living organisms (called their host) for getting their food. Many viruses, bacteria, fungi and animals have this mode of nutrition.
The organisms which depend on other living organisms (host) for food are called as parasites.
Parasites of two types:
- a) Ecto parasites
- b) Endo parasites
Ecto parasites
Ecto parasites are those parasites which obtain their food from their host by remaining outside the body of their host. For example, mosquitoes, ticks, lice and bed bug.
Endo parasites
Endo parasites are those parasites which obtain their food from their host by remaining inside the body of their host. For example, Ascaris, plasmodium vivax and tape worm.
Test Your Understanding and Answer These Questions:
- Define parasites.
- Explain types of parasites by giving two examples in each case.
- Write names of two ectoparasites.
- Write names of two endoparasites.