What are two examples of parasites?

Answered by Jeremy Urbaniak

Two examples of parasites are ticks and fleas.

Ticks are ectoparasites that infest the bodies of animals, including humans. They are typically found in grassy areas and attach themselves to the skin of their host by inserting their mouthparts into the skin. Ticks feed on the blood of their host and can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tick-borne encephalitis. Personal experience: I remember one summer when I went hiking in a wooded area and came back with several ticks attached to my legs. It was quite a disturbing experience to find these parasites embedded in my skin, and I had to carefully remove them to avoid any potential infections.

Fleas are another common example of parasites that infest the bodies of animals, particularly mammals like cats and dogs. These small, wingless insects feed on the blood of their hosts and can cause severe itching, irritation, and discomfort. Fleas can also transmit diseases such as bubonic plague and typhus. I had a personal encounter with fleas when my pet dog got infested with them. Not only did the fleas cause my dog to scratch incessantly, but they also started spreading in our home, leading to bites on my own skin as well. It took a lot of effort and treatment to eliminate the flea infestation from both my dog and our living environment.

Ticks and fleas are two examples of parasites that can cause significant harm and discomfort to their hosts. These ectoparasites feed on the blood of their hosts and can transmit diseases in the process. Dealing with infestations of ticks and fleas requires prompt action to prevent further harm and potential spread of diseases.