Paramount Importance
Welcome to Paramount Importance — where science meets curiosity.
Hosted by marine scientist Kurt Krispyn, this podcast dives into the weird, wonderful, and wildly important questions about our world. Through open, honest, laid-back conversations with scientists, explorers, and big thinkers, we unpack the mysteries of nature, discovery, and human innovation.
If you're into the unknown, the unexplained, and the unbelievable, you're in the right place.
Paramount Importance
2025 Ep 21 Fish parasites: Dr. Storm Martin
What is a parasite, and why do they matter?
In this deeply engaging and unexpectedly funny episode, Associate Lecturer and Parasitologist Dr. Storm Martin from Murdoch University dives headfirst into the weird and wonderful world of parasitism. From fish tongue-biters to feather lice, from malaria to zombie snails, we explore what defines a parasite, how parasites shape entire ecosystems, and why most of Earth’s biodiversity might actually be parasitic.
Storm breaks down the evolutionary origins and mind-blowing complexity of parasite life cycles (including the ones that require three hosts and a heron), the difference between parasites and predators, and why losing parasites might signal the collapse of an ecosystem.
Whether you're a biologist, ecologist, or just curious, this episode will challenge your assumptions and make you rethink everything you thought you knew about life, death, and worms.