Parasitism

Parasitism is a type of symbiotic relationship in which one organism (the parasite) lives off the other (the host) and benefits at the expense of the host. This relationship can be harmful, beneficial, or neutral. Parasites are found in a diverse range of organisms, including plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi. They are an important piece of many ecosystems, as they can cause diseases, help regulate population sizes, and even help clean up the environment. In humans, examples of parasites include lice, tapeworms, and protozoa.