10. Parasitology and Elephant Seal Lice

Seal lice survive underwater with their diving hosts. Parasitologist Dr. Soledad Leonardi explores the coevolution of seals, sea lions, and the blood-feeding lice that followed them from land into the ocean. Learn how these rare marine insects endure cold, salinity, low oxygen, and pressure, synchronize reproduction with their hosts, and remain attached during molting and dives. The conversation also examines whether seal lice could transmit disease, why parasites are an important part of biodiversity, and what scientists still do not know about how climate change may alter these relationships. A surprising look at elephant seals, evolutionary biology, and parasite-host interactions in the Southern Ocean.Episode Guest: Dr. Soledad LeonardiBrowse Dr. Soledad Leonardi’s publications hereFollow Dr. Soledad Leonardi on X More information about the National Research Council Argentina hereEpisode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media WebsiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Nela Ruiz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.