What do you feel like saying, right now?

[Phrozen Sands]

Originally Posted by cheerfulgreek

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.

This is interesting, CG. I didn’t know you were a specialist. I missed that one, if you posted it.

You’re definitely passionate.

[cheerfulgreek]

Originally Posted by Phrozen Sands

This is interesting, CG. I didn’t know you were a specialist. I missed that one, if you posted it.

You’re definitely passionate.

Yep.

[Sciencewoman]

Originally Posted by cheerfulgreek

Yep.

My daughter's recently adopted indoor rescue cat tested positive for giardiasis a couple weeks ago, so both cats have been taking medication and they've been cleaning the house and everything like mad. They can't figure out where she picked it up, but I'm guessing she may have already been infected when they got her?

[cheerfulgreek]

Originally Posted by Phrozen Sands

Yeah. Post it here about the passengers and pilots. I need a good laugh because I know you’ll make it funny Lol.

lol
That’s been 20 years ago? It was two pilots, and one was married. I was like… “Um, you’re like well over twice my age? Um.. no.” — on that alone. And it was two different summers. And the passengers are like a blur now.

Originally Posted by Sciencewoman

My daughter's recently adopted indoor rescue cat tested positive for giardiasis a couple weeks ago, so both cats have been taking medication and they've been cleaning the house and everything like mad. They can't figure out where she picked it up, but I'm guessing she may have already been infected when they got her?

Yep, I think you’re right, because it’s possible and more likely than not that the cat was already infected at the time of adoption. I mean, it’s a really common parasite in shelter environments with stray animals. Since both cats are being treated and her house is being cleaned thoroughly, that’s a step I always strongly recommend to my clients toward resolving the problem and preventing reinfection. It’s just that giardia cysts can survive in the environment for a long time. She’s doing what I would recommended. Make sure she continues the full course of the prescribed medication, too.

[Phrozen Sands]

Originally Posted by cheerfulgreek

lol
That’s been 20 years ago? It was two pilots, and one was married. I was like… “Um, you’re like well over twice my age? Um.. no.” — on that alone. And it was two different summers. And the passengers are like a blur now.

Lol what happened with the married one?

Originally Posted by cheerfulgreek

Yep, I think you’re right, because it’s possible and more likely than not that the cat was already infected at the time of adoption. I mean, it’s a really common parasite in shelter environments with stray animals. Since both cats are being treated and her house is being cleaned thoroughly, that’s a step I always strongly recommend to my clients toward resolving the problem and preventing reinfection. It’s just that giardia cysts can survive in the environment for a long time. She’s doing what I would recommended. Make sure she continues the full course of the prescribed medication, too.

WTH is that?