Co-divergence or opportunism: the evolution of trematode parasitism in the sea

这一提议是为了对一种主要寄生虫（吸虫）如何在与其宿主的相互作用中进化进行基础研究。这项工作主要是那种支持其他科学的“基础科学”，而不打算立即给社区带来好处。然而，这项工作在很大程度上取决于在澳大利亚本土动物中发展更好的吸虫知识的重要任务。其中一些寄生虫是双壳类动物（扇贝、巨蛤和牡蛎）的病原体，但这里对它们几乎一无所知。这项研究的另一个好处是培训了几名研究生，他们将能够为澳大利亚寄生虫的进一步研究和管理做出贡献。

This proposal is for fundamental research into how a major group of parasites (trematodes) has evolved in interaction with its hosts. The work is mainly the kind of 'basic science' that underpins other science without having intended immediate community benefit. However, the work depends strongly on the important task of developing better knowledge of trematodes in Australian native animals. Some of these parasites are pathogens of bivalves (scallops, giant clams and oysters) but almost nothing is known about them here. Another benefit of the study is in the training of several postgraduate students who will be able to contribute to the further study and management of parasites in Australia.