What Makes a Good Parasite?

Virtually all organisms have some sort of parasite living on or inside them. Fleas, lice and ticks have caused problems for humans for thousands of years. These creatures bite the skin, suck the blood and transmit diseases. Inside the human body, worms live in the gut and protoctists can infect the blood. Plant parasites destroy crops causing substantial economic damage. Humans are constantly battling with such parasites - but why? What adaptations have they developed in order to survive, thrive and reproduce? In this podcast, I will explore one very simple question - what makes a good parasite? (With thanks to our sponsor 'Curriculum Press' for providing content for this podcast)