**Parasites:**

Parasites are organisms that live in or on another organism (called the host) and depend on the host for their survival. They obtain nutrients and resources from the host, often causing harm or disease in the process. Parasites have developed various adaptations to exploit and survive within their hosts. They come in different forms, including protozoa, worms, insects, and even plants.

**Types of Parasites:**

1. **Endoparasites:** These parasites live inside the host's body. They can be further classified based on their location within the host. For example:
- **Intestinal parasites:** These parasites live in the intestines of the host. They include intestinal worms like roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms.
- **Blood parasites:** These parasites reside in the bloodstream of the host. Examples include the protozoan parasite causing malaria and the trypanosome parasite causing African sleeping sickness.

2. **Ectoparasites:** These parasites live on the surface of the host's body. They can be found clinging to the skin, fur, feathers, or scales of the host. Examples of ectoparasites include fleas, ticks, lice, and mites.

**Total Parasites:**

The term "total parasites" does not have a specific scientific definition. However, it could refer to the cumulative number of parasites within a particular ecosystem, community, or population. In this context, "total parasites" would encompass all the different types of parasites present in a given area or group of organisms.

Understanding the total parasite load is important for studying the dynamics of parasitic infections and their impact on the host population. It helps researchers assess the prevalence, diversity, and distribution of parasites, as well as their potential effects on the health and survival of the host species.

Tracking the total parasite load also aids in identifying patterns of transmission, developing control measures, and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions such as vaccines or medications. By studying total parasites, scientists can gain insights into the ecological relationships between hosts and parasites, and how these interactions shape ecosystems and populations.

In summary, parasites are organisms that rely on other organisms for their survival, often causing harm or disease. They can be classified as endoparasites or ectoparasites based on their location within or on the host's body. The term "total parasites" refers to the cumulative number of parasites within a specific ecosystem or population.

Total parasite since it get its complete food from the host. cuscuta grows as a parasite on the shrubs and tree. it lacks leaves and chlorophyll and does not do photosynthesis. it roots are called haustoria since the penetrate the stem tissues of host plant and draw nourishment.

some heater trophic plants such as mistletoe and viscum grow on mango, mahua and fig tree and bears green leaves. they synthesized their own food but depend for water and minerals on the host plants. they are called partial parasite.