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A life cycle database for parasitic acanthocephalans, cestodes, and nematodes
Daniel P Benesh1, Kevin D Lafferty1,2, Armand Kuris1,3
1Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, 93106, USA.
Ecology
|December 17, 2016
Summary
This study synthesizes complex parasite life cycles for acanthocephalans, cestodes, and nematodes. The comprehensive data summary aids research into parasite evolution and ecology.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Parasitologists have documented complex life cycles for ~150 years.
- Existing host-parasite databases lack comprehensive life-history information and distinctions between host types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize known life cycles of trophically transmitted acanthocephalans, cestodes, and nematodes.
- To create a comprehensive data summary for comparative analysis and hypothesis testing.
Main Methods:
- Compiled data from literature on 973 parasite species, including 8,510 host-parasite associations.
- Collected information on parasite stages within hosts and life cycle completion requirements.
- Gathered life-history data, including development times and body size measurements.
Main Results:
- Created the most comprehensive data summary for these parasite taxa to date.
- Identified knowledge gaps in parasite life cycle understanding.
- Data includes host-parasite associations, parasite stages, and life-history traits.
Conclusions:
- The synthesized data facilitates comparisons among parasite taxa.
- Enables testing of hypotheses on life cycle evolution, host specificity, and parasite roles in food webs.
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