Intermediate Host
host in which larval stage of parasites live
An intermediate host is an organism that harbors a parasite during some or all of its development but is not the final destination or target of the parasite. This means that the parasite undergoes some of its developmental stages within the intermediate host, but only to facilitate its life cycle. The intermediate host is typically distinct from the definitive host, which is the organism in which the parasite reaches sexual maturity or reproduces.
For example, in the case of the life cycle of the tapeworm, an intermediate host may ingest the eggs of the tapeworm. After hatching, the larvae develop within the intermediate host, which then serves as a source for the definitive host to acquire the fully developed parasite. In this case, the definitive host may be a human who eats the raw or undercooked meat of the intermediate host, such as a pig or cow.
Intermediate hosts serve as a vector for the transmission of parasites and represent an important area of research in the study of parasitic diseases. Understanding the life cycle of parasites and the role of intermediate hosts is crucial for developing effective approaches for control and treatment of parasitic infections.
More Answers:
Understanding the Complexities of Indirect Life Cycles: Examples and Importance in Parasitic Organisms.Understanding the Direct Life Cycle: Examples in Plants, Invertebrates, and Vertebrates
Understanding the life cycle: stages of growth and development in organisms