Fish Report for 1-27-2020
Powerful Parasites: Tiny Regulators of Ecosystem Health
by FISHBIO
1-27-2020
As hypothesized, these helpful flukes boosted the resistance of marsh plants to drought-associated overgrazing. Plus, the apparent higher occurrence of parasites in areas affected by drought suggests that higher snail densities in drought-stricken areas may lead to more infection by parasites, and this in turn reduces grazing on the stressed cordgrass. Consumer organisms at the base of the food web – such as locusts, gypsy moths, and sea urchins – often experience population explosions in response to human-driven changes to ecosystems, but evidence from this and other studies suggests that the potentially devastating impact of such booms may be lessened by parasites. Researching and even working to conserve parasite populations may be essential for ensuring the resilience of ecosystems to global change. Even though they may be the stuff of itchy nightmares, it’s important to remember that those creepy worms, flukes, and mites are often a cornerstone for functioning, healthy habitats.
FISHBIO is a dedicated group of research scientists, engineers, and technicians that specialize in counting, tracking, and analyzing trends in fish and wildlife populations throughout the world. An expert staff, technical capacity, and state-of-the-art equipment make FISHBIO a trailblazer in aquatic research. For more information, please visit FISHBIO.com
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