**Parasite**

A parasite is an organism that lives off another organism, known as the host, and derives nutrients and shelter from it. In this relationship, the parasite benefits at the expense of the host, which may be harmed or even killed by the parasite. Parasites can be found in various forms, including animals, plants, and microorganisms.

**Partial Parasite**

A partial parasite, also known as a hemiparasite, is a type of parasite that relies on the host for only a portion of its nutritional needs. Unlike a full parasite, a partial parasite is capable of photosynthesis and can produce its own food through the process of converting sunlight into energy. However, it still requires a host for certain nutrients or water, which it obtains through specialized structures called haustoria.

**Differences between Parasite and Partial Parasite**

1. **Nutrition Requirements:**
- A parasite relies entirely on the host for its nutritional needs.
- A partial parasite can perform photosynthesis and produce its own food but still requires a host for certain nutrients or water.

2. **Energy Production:**
- A parasite does not produce its own energy and solely relies on the host for energy.
- A partial parasite is capable of producing its own energy through photosynthesis.

3. **Damage to the Host:**
- A parasite often causes harm or damage to the host, as it depends on the host's resources for survival.
- A partial parasite may have a lesser negative impact on the host, as it can produce its own food and only requires certain nutrients or water from the host.

4. **Examples:**
- Examples of parasites include fleas, ticks, and tapeworms, which rely entirely on their hosts for survival.
- Examples of partial parasites include mistletoe plants and dodder plants, which can photosynthesize but still depend on their hosts for some nutrients or water.

In summary, while parasites fully rely on their hosts for nutrition and energy, partial parasites can produce their own food but still require certain nutrients or water from a host. The relationship between parasites and hosts is often harmful to the host, while partial parasites may have a lesser negative impact due to their ability to perform photosynthesis.