Leucochloridium
A parasitic flatworm alters a snail's eyestalk appearance and behavior.
The Biological Miracle: Leucochloridium flatworms develop in snails and form conspicuous, pulsating broods in the eyestalks of some hosts. The altered appearance and activity can increase the chance that a bird will eat the snail, completing the parasite's life cycle.
The Philosophical Mirror: A host can become a moving signal for another species. The same body is simultaneously a living animal and a vehicle in a cycle that exceeds its interests.
The Human Takeaway: A visible display can serve someone other than the one who carries it. When I interpret a person's behavior, how might their environment or dependencies be shaping the signal I see?
A visible display can serve someone other than the one who carries it.
When I interpret a person's behavior, how might their environment or dependencies be shaping the signal I see?