Differentiate between Parasitism and Predation.

Parasitism and predation are two ecological interactions involving the consumption of one organism by another, but they differ in the nature of the relationship and the impact on the host organism.

1. Predation:

   • Predation is a relationship where one organism (predator) hunts, kills, and consumes another organism (prey) for food.
   • Predation usually results in the death of the prey organism.
   • Predators have adaptations such as sharp teeth, claws, or specialized hunting behaviors to capture and consume their prey.
   • Examples of predators include lions preying on zebras, hawks catching mice, and sharks feeding on fish.
   • Predation can control prey populations, influence species distribution, and drive evolutionary adaptations in both predator and prey.

2. Parasitism:

   • Parasitism is a relationship where one organism (parasite) lives in or on another organism (host), deriving nutrients and shelter from the host.
   • Parasites harm but usually do not immediately kill their host, as their survival depends on the host's survival.
   • Parasites have adaptations to attach to or live inside the host, often causing damage or disease.
   • Examples of parasites include tapeworms in the intestines of mammals, ticks feeding on the blood of animals, and mistletoe plants obtaining nutrients from trees.
   • Parasitism can weaken the host, affect its behavior, and potentially lead to disease transmission.

In summary, predation involves one organism consuming another for food, typically resulting in the death of the prey, while parasitism involves one organism benefiting at the expense of another without necessarily causing immediate death but often leading to harm or debilitation of the host.