Symbiosis/Parasitism

In a parasitic relationship,

one is benefitted.

One is harmed.

Here are some examples.

The flea is eating dog

blood. The dog is

losing blood and is

feeling bitten and itchy.

Nice for the flea...tough on the dog.

The eel is getting a good deal.

The fish is getting a bad deal.

It has to carry around a creature

that sucks the life out of it.

Ugly situation!!!.....for the fish.

Mistletoe is choking

this tree. The vines

spread all over the tree,

held up by the tree,

eating the tree's food.

The tree may die.

You didn't know that mistletoe is a parasite? Hmmm.....

Then there are cowbirds who

lay their eggs in the nests of

little songbirds. The cowbird

babies grow fast and take

the food songbirds intend for

their own children.

Now, if THAT isn't awful for the songbirds,

what WOULD be?

Meanwhile, the cowbirds are just flying around

enjoying themselves as the little songbirds

work their hearts out feeding cowbird

children.

So, if someone calls you a PARASITE, they are not

saying anything nice about you!!!

Please also see Symbiosis/Mutualism and

Symbiosis/Commensalism.

Updated February19, 1999.

Art and information thanks to Dan and Julian and Gail and Loneal.

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