Summer Field Program 2009
Parasites of Marine Animals
Parasitic organisms manage to live very efficiently at the expense of non-parasitic organisms. In evolutionary terms, parasitism is arguably the most successful mode of existence for multicellular animals. The earth’s biodiversity includes more species of multicellular parasites than species of animals that harbor parasites. This course introduces students to this vast diversity of multicellular parasitic organisms. It picks up where Bob Dylan left off in his song “Man Gave Names to all the Animals” and covers many of the obscure, not so obvious critters that are all around us on the coast of Mississippi. Lectures and readings will introduce you to the formal groups of parasites and place them in a phylogenetic framework. Parasite life histories, feeding modes and effects on hosts will be covered. The laboratory portion will be a hands-on experience. You will collect and observe live parasites and prepare them for microscopy and identification. You are expected to collect, preserve, and to some degree identify your own parasite collection. The class includes three field trips for collecting fish and invertebrates (potential hosts for parasites) and a tour of an aquaculture facility.
Syllabus
Course Information
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