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Parasitism, host immune defence and dispersal
A P Møller1, M Martín-Vivaldi, J J Soler
1Laboratoire de Parasitologie Evolutive, CNRS UMR 7103, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris Cedex, France. amoller@snv.jussieu.fr
Journal of Evolutionary Biology
|May 20, 2004
Summary
Bird immune function, specifically T-cell response, is linked to dispersal evolution. Species with stronger immune responses exhibit longer natal dispersal, suggesting an adaptation to escape parasites.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Immunology
- Ornithology
Background:
- Host-parasite interactions can influence host dispersal and local adaptation.
- Immune function reflects evolutionary history of parasite-induced natural selection.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the relationship between host immune function and dispersal in birds.
- Examine how T-cell response relates to natal and breeding dispersal distances.
- Determine if habitat breadth influences immune response.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of 46 bird species.
- Field estimates of nestling T-cell response (T-cell-mediated immunity).
- Controlled for migration and common ancestry.
Main Results:
- Species with longer natal dispersal showed stronger T-cell-mediated immune responses.
- This association persisted after controlling for migration and phylogeny.
- Habitat generalists (broad habitat range) had weaker T-cell-mediated immune responses than specialists.
Conclusions:
- T-cell-mediated immunity is a significant predictor of dispersal evolution in European birds.
- Natal dispersal may be an adaptive strategy to escape parasite pressure.
- Habitat breadth is inversely related to T-cell-mediated immune strength.