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Parasites, ecosystems and sustainability: an ecological and complex systems perspective
Pierre Horwitz1, Bruce A Wilcox
1Consortium for Health and Ecology, Edith Cowan University, 100 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia. p.horwitz@ecu.edu.au
International Journal for Parasitology
|June 1, 2005
Summary
Host-parasite relationships are viewed broadly as complex adaptive systems, influencing ecosystems and potentially benefiting hosts. This perspective aids in understanding disease emergence and integrated parasite management.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Complex Systems Theory
Background:
- Host-parasite relationships are traditionally viewed narrowly, focusing on metabolic dependence.
- A broader ecological-evolutionary perspective frames these relationships within complex adaptive systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the broader implications of host-parasite relationships within complex adaptive systems.
- To highlight the role of these relationships in structuring ecological communities and disease emergence.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis integrating ecological, evolutionary, and complex systems perspectives.
- Systems thinking to analyze interdependencies beyond immediate host-parasite interactions.
Main Results:
- Host-parasite relationships are embedded within larger ecological and evolutionary contexts.
- These relationships can benefit hosts and significantly structure ecological communities.
- A complex adaptive system view is crucial for understanding disease emergence.
Conclusions:
- Adopting a broad, complex adaptive system view enhances understanding of host-parasite dynamics.
- This perspective is vital for managing emerging infectious diseases in wildlife and humans.
- It suggests expanded principles for integrated parasite management.
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