Could we be the Aftermath?

[Robin]

Hey Everyone!
iS It possible that this disease is the proof to what this scientist is suggesting? it is possible seeing how this parasite has been around for centuries! i'm only allowed a few minutes my son's waiting impatiently to join his gang in gameland lol.
xxoo
Robin
Host species’ extinction could make parasites jump onto alternative hosts

[jonsi]

Hi Robin,

I couldn't get to the link you posted.

I think "M" is engineered.

Good to see you posting again!

Itwl,
~jonsi (Ronda)

[tcmgpt13]

Here's the article Jonsi. And yes, it is good to see Robin posting again:

"Host Species' Extinction Could Make Parasites Jump Onto Alternative Hosts

WASHINGTON - In a new study, scientists have determined that when host species go extinct, their parasites could switch onto alternative hosts which in turn could increase the rate of emerging pathogens for humans, domesticated animals and plants.

The study was carried out by North Carolina State University biologist Rob Dunn and colleagues.

They examine the concept of coextinction, or the domino effect of extinctions caused by species loss.

For example, each fig species tends to be pollinated by a single fig wasp such that the loss of one should result in the loss of the other.
Mathematical models suggest that coextinctions due to the actions of humans are very common. Yet, counter intuitively, there have been few reported cases of coextinction in the scientific literature.

“What we know about coextinctions presents a kind of paradox. The models suggest thousands of coextinctions have already occurred and that hundreds of thousands may be on the horizon. Yet we have observed few such events,” Dunn said.

“So, we’re not sure if all of these coextinctions are happening and not being tracked, or if parasites and mutualist species are better able to switch partners than we give them credit for, or something in between. Maybe some of the specialized relationships like between the figs and fig wasps - aren’t so specialized,” he added.

There is something even scarier about the consequences of coextinction.
“There is a distinct possibility that declines in host species could drive parasite species to switch onto alternative hosts, which in turn could escalate the rate of emerging pathogens and parasites both for humans and our domesticated animals and plants,” Dunn said.

“Put simply, when a host becomes rare, its parasites and mutualists have two choices: jump ship to another host or go extinct. Either situation is a problem,” he added.

Dunn noted that the regions where new human diseases, such as bird flu, are emerging coincide with the regions where the most mammal and bird species are endangered.

“We have long talked about the negative consequences of the endangerment of the species we love, but getting left with their parasites is a consequence no one bargained for,” he said. (ANI)"

[niecy]

Robin and TC.....that is the most interesting thing I have read in a very long time! Thanks for taking the time to post it, both of you!! Jonsi!!! Hey girlfriend!! Miss ya like crazy. You and Rocklady and 2manyfibers!! And how's Bobbyjoe? We had some good laughs on the shout a time or two! LOL. Carla, TC, Jo, and all of you other lovely people here...just wanted to say "hi" and God bless you all!!! I still pray for answers, and I read this forum regularly! I'm still busy as a bee with my kids and grandkids, but doing very well. I take my vitamins everyday! Again ladies, thanks for the article! Love to you all! Niecy

[jonsi]

“So, we’re not sure if all of these coextinctions are happening and not being tracked, or if parasites and mutualist species are better able to switch partners than we give them credit for, or something in between. Maybe some of the specialized relationships like between the figs and fig wasps - aren’t so specialized,” he added.

Hmmm, makes sense to me too. (my screw up I didn't see it last night).

(Hey Niecy! I miss you like the sun and the moon. BJ is doing good! I miss 2many too. )

In the white light,
~jonsi

[sarothra]

This reminds me of the reason you should always "live trap" mice in your house.

If you put out killing traps, the fleas, which harbor disease, will jump off the dead mouse ONTO YOU - you are not its preferred meal, but you'll do when your first host is dead.

sar

[Robin]

Hey jonsi,neicy,tcm,saro!!
Thanks T for the backup! hey neicy long time!glad your doing good!i had a hard time finding this article again i meant to post it the first time then i feel asleep! it took awhile to find but i really think it has some meaning for us! hey there jonsi!
Love Robin