Parasites are masters of survival, thriving by extracting nutrients from their hosts while avoiding immune defenses. They employ various strategies to persist, from microscopic organisms like protozoa to larger parasites like tapeworms and fleas. Some latch onto tissues or burrow inside organs, while others hijack the host’s body, manipulating behavior to enhance their spread.
Many parasites evolve sophisticated mechanisms to evade detection, mimicking host cells or altering immune responses to remain unnoticed. Others use complex life cycles, cycling between multiple hosts to complete their development. Despite their reputation, parasites play vital roles in ecosystems, controlling population balance and driving evolutionary adaptations.
Vero Q&A unveils the fascinating and sometimes eerie survival strategies of parasites.