In this type of nutrition, the organisms (called parasites) depend on the body of other living organisms (called their host) for getting their food. Many viruses, bacteria, fungi and animals have this mode of nutrition.
- A parasite usually harms the host.
- The host may be a plant or an animal.
- Parasitic mode of nutrition is seen in several fungi, bacteria, a few plants like cuscuta and animals like plasmodium.