Chapter 13 Flashcards & Key Terms

coevolution

The evolution of two interacting species, each in response to selection imposed by the other.

ectoparasite

A parasite that lives on the surface of another organism. Compare endoparasite.

endoparasite

A parasite that lives inside the body of its host organism. Compare ectoparasite.

gene-for-gene interaction

A specific defensive response that makes particular plant genotypes resistant to particular parasite genotypes.

host

An organism on or within which a parasite or other symbiont lives. Compare symbiont, symbiosis.

latent period

A period in which an individual is infected with a disease but cannot spread the disease.

macroparasites

Relatively large parasite species, such as arthropods and worms. Compare microparasites.

microparasites

Parasite species too small to be seen with the naked eye, such as bacteria, protozoans, and fungi. Compare macroparasites.

parasite

An organism that lives in or on a host organism and feeds on its tissues or body fluids.

pathogen

A parasite that causes disease.

symbiont

As the smaller member of a symbiosis, an organism that lives in or on an organism of another species, its host. Compare host, symbiosis.

threshold density

The number of individuals in a population susceptible to a disease at (or above) which the disease will become established and spread.

vertical transmission

The spread of a disease from mother to newborn.