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A '''parasite''' is a living [[organism]] that lives by exploiting another organism. Parasitism is a form of one-sided [[symbiosis]] where the parasite benefits and the host is harmed. While it used to be thought that parasites were very simple creatures generally with little impact on their [[ecosystem|ecosystems]];<ref>"Only now are scientists thinking seriously about how parasites may be as important to ecosystems as lions and leopards.", Zimmer, 2001, p xxi-xxii.</ref> however, biologists now understand that parasites can be very sophisticated, precisely created to take advantage of their hosts and that parasites can have significant effects on their environment and on their host's life.

A '''parasite''' is a living [[organism]] that lives by exploiting another organism. Parasitism is a form of one-sided [[symbiosis]] where the parasite benefits and the host is harmed. While it used to be thought that parasites were very simple creatures generally with little impact on their [[ecosystem]]s;<ref>"Only now are scientists thinking seriously about how parasites may be as important to ecosystems as lions and leopards.", Zimmer, 2001, p xxi-xxii.</ref> however, biologists now understand that parasites can be very sophisticated, precisely created to take advantage of their hosts and that parasites can have significant effects on their environment and on their host's life.

Common parasites in humans include [[Toxoplasmosis]] and the [[Malaria]]l parasite.<ref>Zimmer, 2001</ref> Worms are also common parasites, with up to 7,000 species of parasitic worms described. These species include the roundworms, hookworms and whipworms. Most parasitic worms are [[nematode]]s that are invisible to the naked eye.

Common parasites in humans include [[Toxoplasmosis]] and the [[Malaria]]l parasite.<ref>Zimmer, 2001</ref> Worms are also common parasites, with up to 7,000 species of parasitic worms described. These species include the roundworms, hookworms and whipworms. Most parasitic worms are [[nematode]]s that are invisible to the naked eye.

[[Young Earth Creationism|Young earth creationists]] see parasites, along with diseases, as coming about as a result of [[Adam]]'s [[sin]] against [[God]] and are one of the problems that arose on Earth because of the beginning of sin.<ref>Armitage, 2000</ref>

[[Young Earth Creationism|Young earth creationists]] see parasites, along with diseases, as coming about as a result of [[Adam]]'s [[sin]] against [[God]] and are one of the problems that arose on Earth because of the beginning of sin.<ref>Armitage, 2000</ref>

For example, [[virus|viruses]] are categorized as [[Obligate Intracellular parasite|obligate intracellular parasites]], and are ‘infectious particles’ rather than organisms.<ref name="Did God">Bergman, 1999</ref>

For example, [[virus]]es are categorized as [[Obligate Intracellular parasite|obligate intracellular parasites]], and are ‘infectious particles’ rather than organisms.<ref name="Did God">Bergman, 1999</ref>

[[Creation science|Creation scientist]] Dr. [[Jerry Bergman]] asserts that [[God]] did not make [[Pathogenic virus|pathogenic viruses]] and that it is a result of a post [[Fall of Man|fall]] world.

[[Creation science|Creation scientist]] Dr. [[Jerry Bergman]] asserts that [[God]] did not make [[pathogenic virus]]es and that it is a result of a post [[Fall of Man|fall]] world.

Bergman says that "[[pathogenesis]] is evidence of something gone wrong, a [[mutation]] or the accidental movement of [[gene]]s, and not evidence of a system deliberately designed to cause human [[disease]] and suffering.<ref name="Did God" />

Bergman says that "[[pathogenesis]] is evidence of something gone wrong, a [[mutation]] or the accidental movement of [[gene]]s, and not evidence of a system deliberately designed to cause human [[disease]] and suffering.<ref name="Did God" />

In addition, creation scientists point out that the elimination of some parasites cannot be explained vis a vis the [[theory of evolution]].<ref>Parker, 2007.</ref> For example, [[David Catchpoole]] wrote:

In addition, creation scientists point out that the elimination of some parasites cannot be explained vis a vis the [[theory of evolution]].<ref>Parker, 2007.</ref> For example, [[David Catchpoole]] wrote:

* Catchpoole, David, [http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/5044 Off the menu …], Creation 28(2):56, March 2006.

* Catchpoole, David, [http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/5044 Off the menu …], Creation 28(2):56, March 2006.

==See Also==

==See also==

*[[Homosexuality and Parasites]]

*[[Homosexuality and Parasites]]