A parasite, in biology, is a type of lifeform that depends on another being for sustenance and/or safety, with the other being gaining nothing in return, and possibly being harmed by the process.
Different types of parasites usually evolve in differing ecosystems where resources or safety are being sought after by multiple organisms. Parasites can feed off other beings or use them as transportation or the advancement of their life processes. A similar biological arrangement is symbiosis, but symbiosis is defined as two organisms that can mutually benefit from such an arrangement.
Various types of neural parasites exist, sometimes capable of feeding on or taking control of the nervous systems of sentient beings. (TOS episode & Star Trek 2 novelization: Operation -- Annihilate!; TNG episode: "Conspiracy")
See also
External links
- Parasite article at Memory Alpha, the wiki for canon Star Trek.
- Parasite article at Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.