Climate change threatens one-third of parasite species with extinction, study finds
By
K. R. Callaway
Summary
Colin Carlson's research explores how climate change threatens parasite biodiversity. Inspired by a conversation with a parasitologist friend, Carlson co-led the largest study of parasite biodiversity to date, finding that up to one-third of parasite species face extinction due to climate change. Since parasites play crucial ecological roles, their mass extinction could have catastrophic consequences for ecosystems worldwide.
Source
bskyClimate change threatens one-third of parasite species with extinction, study findsscientificamerican.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledA hangover inspired Colin Carlson to meld climate change, public health and ecology.
The two went on to conduct the largest study to date of parasite biodiversity, finding that up to one third of parasite species are at risk of extinction caused by climate change.
Parasites fill important niches in ecosystems around the world, so the consequences of such a die-off could be catastrophic.
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