Question

In your own words and be as specific.

when we say the parasite lives at a higher trophic level, what does that mean.? list two effects of the parasite have on their host?

Answer 1

Usually parasitwes prefer higher trophic level organism, This is because unlike the lower trophic level organisms that have small life span the higher organisms have longer lifespan.the longer life span allaows the parasite to live in host organism for several generations.Parasites never harm the host to death,it depends on the host for its primary needs such as nutrients, water and air. The host should have primary defense mechanisms to control the parasite number otherwise it lead to the death of host and thus the parasites. the higher organisms have effiecient immune response against parasites.

Parasiteswill cause mechanical damage to the cells of the host, malarial parasites destroys erythrocytes.

Production of toxic compounds,Africntrypansomes produce some aromatic compounds in CNS which damage the brain function.