Question

Distinguish between facultative parasite and obligate parasite.

Answer 1

Answer:

A parasitic organism which is able to complete and continue its life cycle even with the absence of the host is known as a facultative parasite. Obligate parasite can survive only with the presence of its host. Facultative parasites can survive even with the absence of the host.

Answer 2

The difference between facultative and obligate parasites are given below:

Facultative parasite:

• A facultative parasite thrives on the host but its entire life cycle is not based on the host.

• It does not depend on the host for its reproduction.

Obligate parasite:

• An obligate parasite completely depends upon the host that is it cannot complete its life cycle without a host.

• An obligate parasite cannot reproduce if it does not come across a host.