Radiolab from WNYC: Parasites
December 11, 2014 6:42 AM - Subscribe
Tales of lethargic farmers, zombie cockroaches, and even mind-controlled humans (kinda, maybe).
One of the most memorable RadioLabs. Hold on to your hats, it's a wild ride.
One of the most memorable RadioLabs. Hold on to your hats, it's a wild ride.
Parasites are so fascinating! I really enjoyed listening to this.
One thing the episode doesn't quite touch upon is classification. It talks about organisms which truly are parasites (like the wasps who take over the cockroaches; the wasps derive benefit from the relationship, and the roaches are harmed), but then it also talks about organisms where the relationship is mutually beneficial, or at least not detrimental to the host. These last two aren't a parasitic relationship. For example, the bacteria in our gut which do some nutrient processing for us aren't considered parasites because their effect is positive for the host, not negative.
posted by ocherdraco at 7:49 AM on December 12, 2014
One thing the episode doesn't quite touch upon is classification. It talks about organisms which truly are parasites (like the wasps who take over the cockroaches; the wasps derive benefit from the relationship, and the roaches are harmed), but then it also talks about organisms where the relationship is mutually beneficial, or at least not detrimental to the host. These last two aren't a parasitic relationship. For example, the bacteria in our gut which do some nutrient processing for us aren't considered parasites because their effect is positive for the host, not negative.
posted by ocherdraco at 7:49 AM on December 12, 2014
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posted by gladly at 9:30 AM on December 11, 2014 [1 favorite]