Distinguish between a parasite and a saprotroph.

Parasites live off living organisms, causing harm to obtain nutrients, like ticks or tapeworms. Saprotrophs, such as fungi and certain bacteria, feed on dead matter without harming living organisms. Parasites depend on hosts for survival, while saprotrophs decompose dead materials, returning essential nutrients to the environment. Understanding their differences helps grasp how parasites harm living hosts, whereas saprotrophs contribute to ecosystems by recycling nutrients from dead organic matter without causing harm.