Deadly Parasites: Key Players in the Web of Life

Alvin Sherman Library, Room 2053

This lecture will explore how Thomas Ray’s statement that “all successful systems attract parasites” should perhaps be reworded to “all successful systems require parasites.” Using examples from clinical medicine, environmental science, and community ecology, Blanar will discuss the emerging notion that parasites are not mere agents of harm, but play key biological roles and are often essential contributors to the health and success of the systems they parasitize.