Author: Усманова, М.Б.; Бурханова, Д.С.

Annotation: This article provides a comprehensive study of the nature and biological significance of parasitism as a form of symbiosis. It examines the complex relationships between parasites and their hosts, as well as their ecological and evolutionary aspects. It analyzes the mechanisms by which parasites adapt to their environment, including the structural, physiological, and behavioral changes that ensure their survival and reproduction within the host organism. Furthermore, the article examines the biological diversity of parasites—from single-celled microorganisms to multicellular organisms such as helminths and insects. Examples of various parasitic strategies are provided: endoparasitism, ectoparasitism, and hyperparasitism. The impact of parasites on host health and function is discussed, as well as their role in regulating population sizes and maintaining ecosystem balance. Both positive and negative consequences of parasitism are highlighted. While parasitism is considered an important evolutionary mechanism that facilitates adaptation and speciation, it also causes negative effects, such as the spread of disease, reduced viability, and threats to biodiversity. The article also examines modern methods for studying parasites—molecular, genetic, and ecological approaches—as well as perspectives in biology, medicine, and ecology related to the control and management of parasitic infections. Thus, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the nature of parasitism, its biological essence, and its significance for living organisms and ecosystems as a whole.

Keywords: parasitism, symbiosis, ecology, evolution, host-parasite relationships, biological diversity, ecosystem.

Pages in journal: 82 - 87