If every living species
were either a host or a parasite or both, then there would be no
doubt that parasitism was an integral property of life.
Unfortunately, every
living species has not been studied to the depth necessary to
ascertain this information. However, enough species have been, so it
does seem reasonable to make this assumption.
Why bother? Because
the opportunity to see if this property is restricted to Earth, or is
universal. Mars is currently being investigated. All properties of
life should be looked for. If parasitism is found on Mars, then we
can be more confident that parasitism is a universal property of
life.
If life without
parasitism is found on Mars, then we will be able to see why life on
Earth carries such a parasitic burden.
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