Predation and parasitism are interactions between two ecologically distinct species. Here, predators and parasites harm one species and benefit another.
What is Predation?
In biology, the act of hunting other animals is called predation. An animal that kills other animals for food while hunting is called a predator, and an animal that is attacked is called prey. Predators and prey evolve in the same ecosystem.
For example, a lion hunting a deer or a lion. Here the lion is the predator and the lions are called lion prey.
In the biological relationship of prey, the predator is the active organism. Besides animals, the concept of predation can also be applied to plants.
What is Parasitism?
A parasite is defined as an interaction or a type of connection formed between two different species. In this act, one organism inhabits and benefits from the body of another organism.
An organism inside the body of another organism uses nutrients, grows and depends on the host organism; It’s called a stink bug. There are some rare insects that get all the benefits of the host body and harm or ultimately kill the host. Insects are pathogenic and dangerous and can cause infectious diseases in the host.
For example, tapeworms that attach to the intestines of animals eat animal feed that lacks nutrients. Bacteria are found in humans, plants, animals and insects. Viruses are a good example of parasites that attack and damage the cells of all organisms.
Difference between Predation and Parasitism
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Predation |
Parasitism |
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Definition |
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| The act of preying by one animal on another animal. | The practice of living as a parasite on or within the body of another organism. |
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Relationship |
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| Occurs between a predator and a prey. | Occurs between a parasite and a host organism. |
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Mode of Action |
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| Hunt, kill and attack the prey. | Invade the cells of the host, live, use resources and cause harm. |
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Number of hosts |
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| Interact with several types of prey. | Interact only with one host organism. |
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Size |
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| Predators are larger and stronger than their prey. | Smaller than the host organism. |
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Metabolic Dependency |
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| There is no such metabolic dependency between the predator and the prey. | There is an intimate association involving metabolic dependency on the host. |
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Progression |
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| Predation: Predator is very active and uses intense physical effort to catch the prey. | Parasitism: Parasite is generally passive in its progression. |
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Mode of Action |
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| They hunt, kill and feed over their prey from the outside. | Invade the living cells, utilizes nutrition and other benefits from the host and cause harm to the host. |
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Mode of Nutrition |
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| Acquire nutrients by killing their prey. | Acquire nutrients from the host organisms. |
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Surplus Killers |
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| Yes, they are a surplus killer, as they immediately kill their prey. | No, they are not a surplus killer, as they do not immediately kill the host organism. |
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Completion of Life Cycle |
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| No such event occurs between the prey and predator | Required host to complete their life cycle. |
