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Parasites and biological invasions
1Institute of Integrative and Compararive Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, United Kingdom.
Advances in Parasitology
|March 18, 2009
Summary
Parasites can influence biological invasions by affecting host fitness and interactions. Release from parasites or acquisition of new ones can determine invasion success and impact native ecosystems.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Invasion Biology
Background:
- Biological invasions pose significant ecological threats.
- The role of parasites in invasion dynamics is increasingly recognized.
- Understanding parasite-host interactions is crucial for predicting invasion outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the fate of parasites during biological invasions.
- To assess the impact of parasites on native and invasive hosts.
- To determine if parasites can mediate invasion success.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on parasites and biological invasions.
- Analysis of parasite release, acquisition, and novel parasite introduction.
- Examination of parasite effects on host fitness, population dynamics, and interspecific interactions.
Main Results:
- Introduced species may lose parasites, potentially aiding invasion success.
- Invasive species can acquire local parasites or introduce novel ones.
- Parasites can differentially impact native and invasive hosts, altering competitive dynamics.
- Parasites modify host interactions, influencing invasion success and community impact.
Conclusions:
- Parasites play a multifaceted role in mediating biological invasions.
- Parasite dynamics significantly affect invasion success and ecological consequences.
- Parasites can alter host fitness and community interactions, impacting recipient ecosystems.
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