Host (biology)
Host (biology)
Host (/hoʊst/; from Latin hospes, "guest") in biology refers to an organism that harbors a parasitic, mutualistic, or commensal species, providing sustenance or shelter. The host organism may be harmed by the relationship, benefit from it, or remain unaffected.
Etymology
The term "host" originates from the Latin word hospes, meaning "guest". In a biological context, it was first used in the early 19th century to describe an organism that provides a home for another organism.
Types of Hosts
There are several types of hosts in biology, including:
- Definitive host: The organism in which a parasite reaches sexual maturity.
- Intermediate host: An organism that harbors the immature or non-reproductive forms of a parasite.
- Reservoir host: A host that harbors a pathogen but suffers no ill effects, serving as a source of infection for other organisms.
- Accidental host: An organism that is not normally part of the parasite's natural life cycle and is unintentionally infected.
- Dead-end host: A host from which the parasites cannot be transmitted to other hosts.
Related Terms
- Parasitism: A non-mutual relationship between species, where one species, the parasite, benefits at the expense of the other, the host.
- Symbiosis: A close and long-term biological interaction between two different biological organisms.
- Commensalism: A relationship between two organisms where one benefits and the other is not significantly harmed or helped.
- Mutualism: A relationship between individuals of different species where both individuals benefit.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Host (biology)
- Wikipedia's article - Host (biology)
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