Parasites vs. Saprotrophs
Parasites and saprotrophs are two types of organisms that obtain their nutrition from other organisms. However, there are key differences between the two.

Parasites
Parasites are organisms that live on or in a host organism and obtain their nutrients at the expense of the host. They can cause harm to the host organism and often have a specific host that they rely on for survival. Some examples of parasites include ticks, tapeworms, and fleas.

Key points about parasites:
- They live on or in a host organism.
- They obtain their nutrients from the host.
- They can cause harm to the host.
- They have a specific host that they rely on for survival.

Saprotrophs
Saprotrophs, on the other hand, are organisms that obtain their nutrients by decomposing dead organic matter. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by breaking down organic material and recycling nutrients back into the environment. Some examples of saprotrophs include fungi and bacteria.

Key points about saprotrophs:
- They obtain their nutrients by decomposing dead organic matter.
- They play a vital role in recycling nutrients in the ecosystem.
- They do not rely on a specific host organism for survival.
- They help in the decomposition process of organic material.
In conclusion, parasites rely on living organisms for their nutrition and can cause harm to their hosts, while saprotrophs decompose dead organic matter and play a crucial role in nutrient recycling in the ecosystem.