Question

Difference between obligate parasite and facultative parasite

Answer 1

Answer:

The difference between the Obligative and Facultative parasite is that Obligative parasite is dependent on the host for its life cycle whereas Facultative parasite does not depend on the host.

Explanation:

Step 1 : Define each of the given terms.

Obligative parasite — the term Obligative implies that there's a condition. Therefore an Obligative parasite is a parasitic organism that fully depends on the host for the completion of its life cycle.

Facultative parasite -— This is a parasitic organism which can complete its life cycle without spending on the host.

Step 2: Explain the difference.

The difference between the two is that Obligative parasite depends on the host for a complete life cycle whereas the Facultative parasite is independent of the host in completing its life cycle.

Answer 2

Difference between obligate parasite and facultative parasite are given below:

Obligate parasites:

• Obligate parasites are parasites which are dependent on a host by obligation.
• Obligate parasites cannot continue their life cycle without the involvement of a host.
• Examples of obligate parasites are viruses, Rickettsia, Chlamydia, etc.

Facultative parasites:

• Facultative parasites are parasites which are ‘dependent on a host’ by preference and not obligation.
• Facultative parasite can reproduce without the involvement of a host.  
• Names of facultative parasites are Naegleria fowleri, certain fungi, etc.