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Parasitism in viviparous vertebrates: an overview
Juan J Palacios-Marquez1, Palestina Guevara-Fiore2
1Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Blvd. Valsequillo y Av. San Claudio, Edificio Bio-1, Ciudad Universitaria, Col. Jardines de San Manuel, 72580, Puebla, CP, Mexico.
Parasitology Research
|December 15, 2023
Summary
Viviparous animals face unique challenges from parasites that impact reproduction. Parasites force females to balance resource allocation for offspring development and immune defense, influencing survival and reproductive strategies.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Reproductive Biology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Viviparity, where embryos develop internally, offers protection and nutrition but creates vulnerabilities.
- Parasites and diseases act as evolutionary pressures, imposing costs on pregnant females and their offspring.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for comprehending host-parasite co-evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature (1980-2021) on parasitism in viviparous hosts.
- To synthesize how parasites affect female reproductive investment, offspring traits, and maternal physiology.
- To explore factors influencing host-parasite dynamics in live-bearing animals.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of studies on viviparous hosts and parasites.
- Analysis of factors including reproductive investment, sex ratios, lactation, and immune responses.
- Integration of data on environmental influences and parasite diversity.
Main Results:
- Parasitism significantly impacts reproductive strategies, altering investment in survival and reproduction.
- Females must balance resource allocation for gestation, immune defense, and offspring care.
- Environmental factors and parasite load influence adaptive adjustments in reproductive output.
Conclusions:
- Viviparity presents complex trade-offs for females managing internal development and external threats.
- Parasites are a major selective force shaping the evolution of reproductive strategies in viviparous species.
- Host life history, environment, and parasite community collectively drive these adaptations.
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