Paleoparasitology

Paleoparasitology is the study of parasites and their hosts in archaeological and paleontological material. Through the analysis of fossilized feces, parasites, mummies, animal bones and other materials, paleoparasitologists are able to infer the prevalence, types, and distributions of parasites in the past. This allows researchers to understand how parasites have evolved over time, contributing to the field of evolutionary biology. Paleoparasitology also provides insight into how human populations interacted with parasites in the past and how they coped with their effects. This knowledge can inform preventative measures for modern-day parasitic diseases.