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Evolution in action: climate change, biodiversity dynamics and emerging infectious disease
Eric P Hoberg1, Daniel R Brooks2
1US National Parasite Collection, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville Area Research Center, BARC East 1180 Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
Summary
Parasite diversification is driven by climate change and ecological shifts, not just coevolution. Ecological fitting allows parasites to rapidly switch hosts, promoting speciation and novel species interactions.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Parasitology
- Ecology
Background:
- Parasite and pathogen diversification are influenced by climate variation and ecological changes.
- Host-parasite assemblages have historically been viewed through a coevolutionary lens.
- Parasites, despite being specialists, frequently switch to new hosts during diversification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To resolve the paradox of parasite host switching.
- To introduce and explain the Stockholm Paradigm and Ecological Fitting.
- To connect host switching to broader theories of speciation and coevolution.
Main Methods:
- The study synthesizes existing theories and observations on parasite diversification.
- It introduces the concept of Ecological Fitting (EF) as a key mechanism.
- It integrates EF with the Oscillation Hypothesis and Geographic Mosaic Theory.
Main Results:
- Ecological Fitting (EF) explains rapid host switching without evolving new capabilities.
- EF facilitates parasite lineage diversification and expansion of host ranges.
- Taxon Pulses provide an episodic environmental context for colonization.
Conclusions:
- Ecological Fitting is a critical factor in parasite diversification and speciation.
- The Stockholm Paradigm offers a new framework for understanding host-parasite dynamics.
- Environmental dynamics and ecological fitting synergistically drive the generation of biodiversity.
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