What is the difference between Parasitism and Symbiosis?

Parasitism:

1. A heterotrophic plant which obtains its food from other living organisms with killing it is called a parasite and the phenomenon is called parasitism.

2. Parasites may be classified as total parasite or partial parasite, obligate parasite or facultative parasite, a stem parasite or a root parasite.

Example:

(i) Puccinia on wheat causing black rust diseases

(i) Cuscuta is a total stem parasite.

(ii) Rafflesia is another total root parasite.

Symbiosis:

1. When two plants or two living organisms show an association or intimate relationship which is mutually beneficial to each other, the organisms are called symbionts and the phenomenon called symbiosis.

2. Symbiosis can not classify in this way.

Example:

(i) Algae and fungi existing as symbiotic partner in lichen.

(ii) Rhizobium legumina sarum present in the root nodules of leguminous plants.