In ecology, what does the term "host" refer to?

The term "host" in ecology specifically refers to a plant or animal that provides sustenance to another organism. This relationship is often seen in contexts such as parasitism, where the host is harmed while supplying nutrients or habitat to another species, such as a parasite. For example, in the relationship between a tick and a mammal, the mammal acts as the host, providing blood that the tick feeds on.

This context is critical for understanding various ecological interactions, including symbiosis, where one organism benefits while the other may be unaffected or harmed, as seen with parasites. Recognizing the role of a host in these interactions helps clarify broader ecological dynamics and relationships.