Facultative Parasitism

Pronunciation
/fac-ul-TA-tiv par-AS-it-izm/
Category
Ecology
Singular
Facultative Parasitism
Plural
Facultative Parasitisms

Definition

A type of parasitism where the parasitic relationship is optional and depends on environmental cues or conditions.

Etymology

From Latin 'facultative', meaning 'optional' and 'parasitism' from Greek 'para-', meaning 'beside' and 'sitos', meaning 'food'.

Example

Facultative parasitism is observed in some species of parasitic wasps where they may develop on a host only if certain environmental conditions are favorable.

Related Terms