Epizoon

/ˌɛpɪˈzoʊɑn/ noun

Definition

A single small animal or organism that lives as an external parasite on another animal; singular form of epizoa.

Etymology

From Greek 'epi-' (upon) and 'zoon' (animal). The singular form is used when discussing individual external parasites.

Kelly Says

An epizoon attached to a fish might be microscopically tiny, but it's genetically coded to find its specific host species and exploit just one part of that host's body—showing how specialized parasites become through evolution.

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