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Exploited and excreting: parasite type affects host nutrient recycling
Charlotte F Narr1, Paul C Frost2
1Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8, Canada.
Ecology
|November 19, 2016
Summary
Parasites alter host nutrient cycling, but effects vary by parasite and diet. Host fecundity, not infection or diet alone, best predicts changes in Daphnia nutrient use.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Parasitology
- Aquatic Ecology
Background:
- Parasite infections can alter host nutrient balance and recycling within ecosystems.
- Host nutrient use is influenced by host physiology, parasite type, and diet quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how different microparasites and host diet quality affect nutrient release rates in Daphnia.
- To determine if host fecundity or parasite load better explains variations in Daphnia nutrient use.
Main Methods:
- Daphnia magna were infected with Pasteuria ramosa or Hamiltosporidium tvaerminnensis.
- Hosts were fed diets varying in phosphorus content.
- Nutrient release rates, ingestion, and elemental ratios were measured.
Main Results:
- Both infection type and diet significantly affected Daphnia nutrient release rates.
- Host fecundity was a stronger predictor of nutrient use variations than infection or parasite load.
- The impact of parasites on nutrient release was specific to the parasite and diet.
Conclusions:
- Parasite-induced alterations in host nutrient use are complex and depend on parasite-host-diet interactions.
- Host fecundity is a key factor in predicting the magnitude and direction of changes in aquatic ecosystem nutrient cycling.
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