1. Birds, as habitats - the hidden world of avian ectoparasites /guiding material/

2. Life in the water...

3. life in terrestrial systems…

4. life in the air...

5. AND life on / in other animals! feather lice

6. Biodiversity of parasites endoparasites : viruses, bacteria, unicellular organisms, worms, etc… tapeworms and nematods unicellulars (Plasmodium, tha causative agent of malaria) 5-10 % of animal species are considered parasites. If we involve herbivorous species and parasitoids as parasites their rate increases up to 30-50 %. Many of them can induce serious diseases.

7. ectoparasites ticks feather lice mites fleas bat flies Many of them can transfer serious diseases.

8. Animals usually have: habitat prey predator Sand Lizard as an example

9. for parasites, host individuals means all of these habitat and food predator preening

10. Arms race between hosts and parasites Hosts are motivated in avoiding or reducing infestation. preening and scratching

11. bathing and dusting sunbathing

12. an oxpecker is searching for ticks mates can reach unreachable bodyparts Sometimes others can help: anting: ants hint the feathers with formic acid which is toxic for parasites

13. Parasites have to avoid host defences and colonise new host individuals. Lice can attach to hippoboscid flies to reach new hosts more easily. A louse hiding in the hollows of a feather to avoid preening.