Prof. Dr. David Thieltges

I am an ecologist investigating the role of parasites in ecosystems. Parasites are still a relatively new research area for ecology. They play a major role. For example, if shellfish are affected by a parasite and are weakened or perish, this also has an effect on an entire ecosystem. Shellfish-eating birds then have less to eat, but those weakened shellfish also filter fewer algae from the water, which in turn has consequences for the rest of the system. I also examine the effects of climate change and species invasions on parasites.