Understanding Ecological Principles through Parasitological Pedagogy

 

Gregory J. Sandland, Jillian Detwiler & Dennis J. Minchella

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2007, Volume 28

Abstract

Parasites comprise over 50% of the organisms on earth, yet they receive little attention in either lecture or laboratory components of ecology courses. This is a major shortcoming given the important role that these organisms play in ecosystem dynamics. The following exercises utilize parasites to teach students about key ecological ideas, experimental design, field-sampling methods, and parasite identification. In general, these labs are relatively easy to perform (for both instructors and students) and provide novel means of teaching (and reinforcing) traditional ecological concepts in exciting unconventional ways.

Keywords:  ecology, parasites, host

Purdue University (2006)