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An encrusting kleptoparasite-host interaction from the early Cambrian
Zhifei Zhang1, Luke C Strotz2, Timothy P Topper3,4
1State Key Laboratory of Continental Dynamics, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Early Life & Environments and Department of Geology, Northwest University, 710069, Xi'an, China. elizf@nwu.edu.cn.
Nature Communications
|June 4, 2020
Summary
Early Cambrian fossils reveal ancient parasite-host interactions. Tube-dwelling organisms attached to brachiopod shells show evidence of kleptoparasitism, impacting host fitness.
Area of Science:
- Paleontology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Marine Biology
Background:
- Parasite-host interactions are common but challenging to identify in fossils.
- The fossil record offers limited direct evidence of early animal interactions.
Observation:
- Unique fossil assemblage from the Lower Cambrian (Stage 4) of South China.
- Organophosphatic brachiopod shells with encrusting tube-dwelling organisms.
- Encrusting tubes exhibit orientation patterns suggesting feeding current manipulation.
Findings:
- Quantitative evidence of a sustained parasite-host relationship.
- Brachiopods with encrusting tubes showed reduced biomass, indicating decreased fitness.
- The association suggests kleptoparasitism, where parasites steal food resources.
Implications:
- Demonstrates the early origin of complex animal parasite-host systems in the Cambrian.
- Suggests that these interactions may have driven evolutionary innovations during the Cambrian explosion.
- Provides crucial insights into early marine ecosystem dynamics and co-evolution.
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