Hey there, friends, and welcome to episode 272 of Just the Zoo of Us. This week, I'm joined by a

parasite ecologist for a look at some bizarre and fascinating creatures that despite their tiny

size impact our world and even our very selves in way more surprising ways than you might

expect. We discuss Osmosis Jones,

frogs with too many legs,

disco-eyed snails,

mind control,

an existential crisis,

a ghost from Cretaceous oceans,

fossil poop,

and so much more.

Just the Zoo of Us presents Dr.

Chelsea L. Woods,

top three parasites. Hello, everybody, it's Ellen Weatherford with Just the Zoo of Us, your favorite animal review podcast.

And I am so excited this week to have a brand new friend for y'all.

This is Dr. Chelsea L. Wood. Say hello, Chelsea.

Hi, Alan. Hi, everyone. It's so lovely to be here. Thanks for having me.

Chelsea, what are your pronouns?

I use she-her pronouns. Thank you so much.

Before we talk about our, I will say, fascinating and maybe a morbid curiosity sort of way for a lot of

people. Before we talk about our parasite pals for today, let's talk about you a little bit because

Chelsea, you have done some really fascinating work in ecology and with diseases, things like that.

...