6 of the Oldest Parasites Ever Found

The video explores the concept of parasitism, highlighting its success as a life strategy. It discusses various ancient parasites, including schistosomes in humans, nematodes in big cats, parasitoid wasps, mind-controlling fungi, and tapeworms in sharks. The video also covers the oldest known parasites from the Cambrian period, illustrating the long history and impact of parasitism on life on Earth.

What is a parasite and how does it obtain nutrition?

What percentage of living species are considered parasitic?

What disease is caused by schistosomes and what are its effects?

What evidence was found in a Syrian archaeological site regarding schistosomes?

How do schistosomes reproduce inside the human body?

What is the significance of the coprolite found in Argentina?

How do parasitic fungi like Ophiocordyceps manipulate their hosts?

Describe the life cycle of tapeworms and their impact on hosts.

What is kleptoparasitism and how does it relate to the oldest known parasites?

What does the discovery of ancient parasites tell us about the history of parasitism?