In the tundra biome, a common example of parasitism is the relationship between the Arctic fox and the parasitic worm known as Echinococcus multilocularis. The Arctic fox acts as the host, while the parasitic worm benefits at the fox’s expense.
Here’s how it works: The Arctic fox can become infected by consuming rodents that carry the larvae of the parasitic worm. Once inside the fox, the larvae develop into adult worms in the intestines. These worms then produce eggs that are excreted in the fox’s feces. The eggs can contaminate the environment, potentially infecting other animals, including humans, if they ingest the contaminated material.
This relationship is parasitic because the worm benefits by using the fox’s body to grow and reproduce, while the fox is harmed. The fox may suffer from malnutrition, organ damage, and other health issues due to the infection. This example highlights the complex interactions within the tundra ecosystem and the impact of parasitism on both individual organisms and the broader environment.