- Fleas and ticks on animals: Fleas and ticks are external parasites that live on the bodies of animals, such as dogs, cats, and humans. They feed on the blood of their hosts, causing irritation, discomfort, and potential transmission of diseases.
- Tapeworms in the digestive tract: Tapeworms are internal parasites that live in the digestive tracts of animals, including humans. They absorb nutrients from the food digested by their hosts, leading to malnutrition and other health issues in the host.
- Mistletoe on trees: Mistletoe is a semi-parasitic plant that grows on the branches of trees. It obtains water and minerals from the tree while producing its own food through photosynthesis. Although it does not typically cause significant harm to the tree, mistletoe can reduce the tree's growth and compete for resources.
- Cuckoo birds in bird nests: Cuckoo birds are brood parasites that lay their eggs in the nests of other birds. The host bird raises the cuckoo chick, which often outcompetes the host's own offspring for food and resources.
These are just a few examples of the diverse range of parasitic relationships found in nature. Parasitism is a common ecological strategy that allows certain organisms to exploit the resources and energy of other organisms for their own survival and reproduction.