What is the difference between symbiosis and parasitism ?

The difference between symbiosis and parasitism are:

Symbiosis

(a) It is a relationship in which two organisms live together in a manner benefited.

(b) Each partner of the relationship is called a symbiont.

(c) for example, relationship between root nodules of leguminous plants and Rhizobium (N₂ – fixing bacterium.

For example, E. coil is present in the human in testing.

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Parasitism

It is a relationship between two organisms which is beneficial to one (the parasite) and harmful to the other (the host).

The organism which draws food is called the parasite and the one which provides food and shelter is called the host.

For example, Cuscuta is a parasitic plant.

For example, Plasmodium is a parasite in the body of man and mosquito.