Daniel and Kelly’s Extraordinary Universe How to become a parasite
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Jul 10, 2025 Dive into the fascinating world of parasites and discover their role in biodiversity! The hosts explore whether dinosaurs had parasites and trace parasitism's evolution across life forms. They also delve into sci-fi portrayals of parasites, from aliens to zombies, sparking discussions on societal implications. The journey through deep time reveals the transition from independent organisms to parasites and even speculates on alien counterparts. With humor and insight, the podcast illuminates the intricate dynamics between parasites and their hosts!
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Parasites Are Half of Biodiversity
- Parasites compose over half of multicellular biodiversity on Earth.
- Many animals host multiple parasite species, which are often hidden from view.
Hosts Harbor Many Parasites
- Many animals typically host multiple parasite species, often outnumbering the hosts themselves.
- For example, mammals harbor several species of trematodes, tapeworms, and nematodes.
Parasitism Evolved Hundreds of Times
- Parasitism has independently evolved more than 200 times in animals.
- It's a common survival strategy despite complex challenges like host immune defenses.