Concise and affordable introductory level undergraduate textbook, highly illustrated and clearly written.Parasites of animals are medically and economically important as well as biologically interesting. All undergraduate biologists study parasites at some stage, but much of the biology is obscured by the need to learn the complex facts on each parasite's specialized life cycle. This new textbook offers an affordable overview of the essential principles in a clearly written and highly illustrated format. The parasitic way of life is described by working through the life stages of a parasite rather than looking at each type of parasite.Parasites of animals are medically and economically important as well as biologically interesting. All undergraduate biologists study parasites at some stage, but much of the biology is obscured by the need to learn the complex facts on each parasite's specialized life cycle. This new textbook offers an affordable overview of the essential principles in a clearly written and highly illustrated format. The parasitic way of life is described by working through the life stages of a parasite rather than looking at each type of parasite.This introductory undergraduate textbook provides a concise, clear and affordable overview of parasite biology for students and nonspecialists, preparing them for more technical and detailed literature. Using examples from all groups of animal parasites, the text considers the various stages of a parasite's life cycle from finding hosts to surviving within the host. The author discusses the significance of damage caused by parasites and approaches to control, giving the book a well-rounded scope for those new to the subject or desiring a review of key points. A key feature of the book is its comparative rather than systematic approach. Suitable for all introductory parasitology courses in biology, zoology and human and veterinary medicine.Preface; 1. The spectrum of animal-animal associations; 2. Parasites; l“}