Ecology of Parasitism

Catalog description

Parasites have regulatory effects on host populations, impart significant economic impact, and are sensitive indicators of pollution as well as other natural and anthropogenic effects. Examines the interaction of parasites with their hosts. The host-parasite interaction creates a unique physiological and genetic system as both host and parasite adjust and adapt to the pressures imposed by the other. Modes of parasitism, life cycles, mechanisms of infection, alteration of host behavior, and novel physiological pathways will be examined as a biological arms race is waged between genetically distinct organisms. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 354 , or enrollment in the Biological Sciences graduate program.