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 Leonardi
Browse Dr. Soledad Leonardi’s publications here
Follow Dr. Soledad Leonardi on X
More information about the National Research Council Argentina here
Episode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website
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Hosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese
Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong.
Theme music by Nela Ruiz
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