Economic zoology
Economic zoology is a sort of applied zoology which involves the study of animals
that are of benefit or those that cause harm to human.
A living organism which receives nourishment and shelter from another organism
where it lives as well as causes harm is called parasite.
An organism where parasite live, multiply and causes disease is called a host.
Types of Parasite:
1) Ectoparasite: It is a parasite that lives on the external surface of hosts, for example
fleas, mosquito, lice, leech, etc.
2) Endoparasite: It is a parasite that lives inside the body of host. Example:
roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, etc.
3) Temporary parasite: It is the parasite which visits its host for a short period.
Example: Mosquito, leech, etc.
4) Permanent parasite: It is the parasite which lives parasitic life throughout its life.
Example: tapeworms, roundworms, etc.
5) Facultative parasite: It is the parasite which lives parasitic life when opportunity
arises.
6) Obligatory parasite: It is the parasite which cannot live without parasitic life.
Example: helminth parasites.
7) Occasional or accidental parasite: It is the parasite which attacks an unusual host.
8) Wandering or aberrant parasite: It is the parasite which happens to reach a place
where it cannot live.
Types of host:
1) Definitive host ( primary host): It is the host in which the sexual cycle of a
parasite is completed or the adult stage of parasite live. Examples: human and others
vertebrates.
2) Intermediate host ( secondary host): It is the host where the larval stage live or
the asexual cycle of the parasite is completed. Examples: Snail, mosquito, sand-fly,
etc.
3) Paratenic host: It is an organism where the parasite remains viable without further
development.
4) Reservoir host: It is an organism where the parasites remain inside for a long time
and remain as reservoir. E.g.: dogs, cats, pigs.
Zoonosis: The evolution of human disease naturally acquired from an infection
caused by vertebrate animals is called zoonosis. E.g.: cow causes beef tapeworm, pig
causes pork tapeworm, etc.
Association of living things
Mutualism: It is a type of association of two organisms in which both partners are
equally benefited and cannot survive independently. E.g.: Lichen.
Commensalism: It is a type of association of two organisms in which one or both
partners are benefited and can live independent life. E.g.: Entamoeba coli.
Parasitism: It is a type of association of two organisms in which one parasite gets
benefit and host gets harm.
Delicate adjustment between host and parasite or parasitic adaptation:
1) Morphological adaptations:
a) Body covering: Parasites have developed several layered thick tegument for
protection.
b) Organ of adhesion: The different forms of adhesive organs such as Acetabulum,
suckers, hooks and spines are developed.
c) Organ of locomotion: The parasite live in the host body where they are well
protected and sufficient food is available so there is no need to move. Hence, the
locomotory organs are absent and may be present in some free-living larval forms.
d) Organ of nutrition: As the parasite derives fully digested or partially digested
nutrition from the host's body, the alimentary canal has either totally disappeared (e.g.
Taenia solium) or exhibit fair degree of degeneration (e.g. Fasciola, Ascaris).
e) Neuro-sensory system: The endoparasites live in a well protected environment
inside host’s body so there is no need of complex form of nervous system and sense
organs have completely lost.
2) Physiological adaptations:
a) Protective mechanism: Parasites have to protect themselves from digestive
enzymes of the host. So, the parasite i) stimulates the host gut to secrete huge amount
of mucous that surrounds the parasite and protect it from the digestive juice of the
host, ii) produce antienzymes to neutralize digestive enzymes of the host, iii) develop
cuticle around the body.
b) Anaerobic respiration: Helminth endoparasites living inside the gut lumen, live
in oxygen deficient environment so respire anaerobically.
3) Elaboration of reproductive organs: The chances of survival of parasite inside
host’s body are always threatened and the life cycle of a parasite is generally complex
so the reproductive organs of parasites are well developed and the production of egg
is prolific.
Modes of transmission of micro-organism:
1) Droplet contact
2) Direct physical contact: touching infected individual, sexual contact
3) Indirect physical contact: Fomite
4) Air-borne transmission : If the micro-organism can live in air for long period
5) Faecal-oral transmission
6) Transmission through vector
