Let me share with you a difference between obligate and facultative parasite.
| Aspect | Obligate Parasite | Facultative Parasite |
| Introduction | A type of parasite that is completely dependent on a host for its survival and reproduction | A type of parasite that can live independently or parasitize a host, depending on environmental conditions |
| Specificity | Often highly host-specific | Less host-specific |
| Survival without a Host | Usually unable to survive for extended periods without a host | Can survive for certain periods without a host, may have alternative means of obtaining nutrients |
| Host-Parasite relationship | Generally establishes a more intimate and specialized relationship with the host | May establish temporary or opportunistic relationships with hosts based on environmental conditions |
| Dependency | Often relies entirely on the host for nutrients, obtaining essential resources directly | May obtain nutrients from hosts but can also obtain nutrients from the environment or through other means |
| Adaptations for host invasion | Often possess specialized mechanisms for host recognition | Less specialized mechanisms for host invasion |
| Examples | · Plasmodium (causing malaria) · Viruses like HIV | · Fungi · Bacteria · Some protozoa |