parasitism

Parasitism is a relationship where one organism, the parasite, benefits at the expense of another, the host. The parasite relies on the host for nutrients, shelter, or resources, often causing harm or stress, but usually not immediate death. This interaction can occur in many forms, such as ticks feeding on animals, tapeworms inside a person's intestines, or mistletoe growing on trees. Parasitism is a common ecological strategy that influences the population dynamics and health of various species, highlighting a complex balance of survival and resource sharing in ecosystems.