Parasites: better than their reputation
See how a parasite manipulates its host so that it can use it as a means of transport to other hosts We will also show you why parasites play an important role in nature despite their bad reputation.
Despite their bad reputation because they exploit their host individuals, parasites promote the natural functioning of the ecosystems that hold our world together. Parasite diversity and biomass dominate many ecosystems, which makes them protagonists of a myriad of natural dynamics. For instance, parasites contribute to the equilibrium of food webs, can either promote or hamper host diversity and host success during biological invasions, and can act as indicators of environmental conditions, among other processes.
Hence, the study and conservation of the natural parasite diversity will help us to use our resources in a sustainable way that protects the health of people, animals, and the environment. At our booth, you will discover some of the Swiss parasite diversity. We will also perform an experiment to illustrate a fascinating evolutionary process where infected hosts lose their autonomy and become transportation vehicles for the parasite, and ecological consequences of such host manipulation by a parasite.
