Although we may not believe it, parasites have a mission in nature and they are very important.

These creatures can be more useful than we all thought on more than one occasion.

Our planet has a history that goes back millions of years and has managed to survive massive disasters and push living things through the balance that prevails on it. We know that bees are very important to the ecosystem, but you may not have known that bees ParasitesAlthough some species are among those animals that cause the most deaths among humans, they may also be Vitality of nature.

Parasites: Villains or Heroes?

The name Chelsea Wood certainly won’t ring any bells with you. However, this expert in Parasites And he has Relationship with nature It was explained in A Article published in Popular Science Magazine How should we begin to change our view of these organisms, which are capable of biologically attaching to and living at the expense of their host?

king A University of Washington expert calls these creatures “puppeteers.”Since they can sometimes control the actions of their hosts and change their form, their very nature turns them into living beings. Able to change ecosystemsHowever, Chelsea Wood talks about how we can start to see parasites as more than just the planet’s villains. Forces of good.

The editor of a Popular Science article gives as an example a Visit Titlo Beacha site in Washington State where the team of researchers led by Ms. Wood usually works. There, in 1960sthe pollution The area was flooded. Now, in 2024The water is cleaner and The seabirds are back..

One of the most curious things in nature: zombie insects.

They are not alive but they are not dead either.

A parasitic fungus infects them and takes control of their brain and behavior to direct them where it benefits them most and spreads its spores there.

https://t.co/C6fOyCkGrP pic.twitter.com/neCJyoRVFn

— Julio Rodriguez, PhD | Genetic Diagnostics (@bitacorabeagle) October 27, 2023

After analyzing the changes in lobster From this area, it was discovered that the majority They carrycurrently, TrematodeIt is a type of parasite that can coexist with birds and crabs. In this case, Parasites region An indicator of seabird prosperity In the area. Chelsea explains:

Parasites are a barometer. If parasites are present, you know that the rest of the hosts are there too. In this way they indicate the health of the ecosystem.

In fact, the American expert points out, Parasites are similar to predators.who also brought with them a bad reputation, but turned out to be just as An essential part of many habitats. In the world. We are talking about the fact that parasites make up 40% of the animal kingdom and that their benefits go as far as saving endangered species. And a example It makes it perfectly clear.

the Nematodes are born in water. But they use different ones. Guestsusually Insects Like spiders or cockroaches, to live. When they want to mateThey force the insect to do so. diving into the waterThis results in their death, but also in the survival of the parasite. This is beneficial to some stream ecosystems.

8cm long parasite found in woman’s brain #Australian. 🤯

It is the first time that a #parasite Of this nature a #mammalsand is usually found only in diamondback snakes.

We tell you. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Td6BJooc78

— Ibero-American Scientific and Cultural News (@NCCIberomerica) October 27, 2023

the Fish from these habitats water Feeds on infected insectsFor example, it is the favorite food of the endangered rainbow trout. 60% of the food of these fish comes from infected insects, so we can say that Parasites We are Help save an endangered animal.

However, despite the idea that climate change will lead to an increase in the number of parasites that infect other animal species, the reality seems to be the opposite. To know the evolution of these organismsChelsea Wood has gone to Fish collection The follower University of Washington Only to discover that the species preserved in the jars contained a surprise: parasites inside.

After two years in the university basement, the research team discovered the matter. 17,000 parasites hidden in jarsIt was also possible to verify that… reality: the Complex parasites disappear At a rate of 10% per decade. The parasitologist concludes by pointing out:

(…) Early indications are that parasites are at least as vulnerable as their hosts and perhaps even more vulnerable (…) Our argument (talking about the importance of parasites in nature) is that parasites are just species. They are part of biodiversity and do really important things in the ecosystems that depend on them.

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