What is the difference between an obligate parasite and a facultative parasite?
Definitions:
Differences:
Obligate Parasite | Facultative Parasite |
A parasitic organism that requires the host organism to complete its life cycle is known as an obligate parasite. | A parasitic organism that is able to complete and continue its life cycle even in the absence of the host is known as a facultative parasite. |
Life Cycle | |
Obligate parasites have complex life cycles. | Facultative parasites have comparatively simple life cycles. |
Presence of the Host | |
An obligate parasite can survive only in the presence of its host. | Facultative parasites can survive even in the absence of the host. |
Transmission through Host Organisms | |
Obligate parasites travel directly from one host to another host. | Facultative parasites can pass important stages of their life cycle even without a host. They do not travel directly from one host to another. |
Free-living Nature | |
Obligate parasites do not have free-living stages. | Facultative parasites are free-living when the host is absent. |