So, fossil ecosystems gives us kind of like a snapshot of what life was like millions of years ago, showing us plants, animals and even how parasites interacted with prehistoric environments. So, when we talk about their evolution, we’re really looking at how these ecosystems changed over time as species adapted, went extinct, or evolved into knew forms of life.
Like, during the Mesozoic period, the age of the dinosaurs, ecosystems were shaped by massive herbivores feeding on ferns, conifers, etc. and predators evolving alongside them to hunt efficiently. And then, at the same time, microscopic organisms and parasites, like prehistoric ticks or worms, co-evolved with their hosts, just like they do today.
I’ve always been fascinated with dinosaurs and prehistoric life since I was like 5 or 6 years old. And I never outgrew it. I’m a veterinary parasitologist so when I study parasites today, it’s almost like looking through a window into the past because parasites are some of the oldest and most resilient organisms on Earth. And then, many modern parasites have barely changed over millions of years, which means they’re like living fossils? If that makes sense?
I have such a love/hate relationship with them. They’re so amazing. I wanted this book so bad, lol. I was so happy when I got it for Christmas.
