Question

How would you compare and contrast parasitism and predation?

Answer 1

While both grow at the expense of the host/prey, parasites generally do not kill their prey directly, while predators do.

Explanation:

A parasite is generally a smaller organism that lives at the expense of a larger organism. It does not directly cause death to the host though it may transmit pathogens which could then cause the host's death. Parasites are usually host-specific.

A predator could be smaller or larger than the prey, but its action is to kill the prey in order to consume it for its own growth. Predators can hunt alone or in packs, and they are not prey-specific but can hunt a range of potential prey.