What is the primary effect of parasitism on the host organism?

In a parasitic relationship, one organism, the parasite, benefits at the expense of the host organism. The primary effect of parasitism is that the host is harmed, which can manifest in various ways, such as reduced health, compromised immune function, or depletion of resources. While the harm can be significant, it typically does not result in the immediate death of the host. Many parasites have evolved to maintain their host alive for as long as possible, as the parasite depends on the host for survival and reproduction.

This relationship does not typically provide any benefits to the host; instead, the focus is on how the host is negatively impacted. Although the harm can vary in severity, it is important to note that the host often survives despite being affected by the presence of the parasite. In some instances, particularly severe parasitic infestations can lead to the eventual death of the host, but this is not the primary or immediate effect of parasitism.