BSCI 106 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Parasitism, Coevolution
Document Summary
+/- interaction (like predation: parasite benefits at host"s expense by draining nutrients from the host while living in or on it. Parasites depend on host to complete life cycle: often have very complex life cycles involving multiple hosts. Sexual stage takes place here: often are specialized to only one species of host. Often an important force of natural selection: have major effects on reproduction/survival. Can change their host"s behavior: found everywhere. Effect of parasite on host - weakened hosts are more vulnerable to predation, less attractive to potential mates. Brood parasites manipulate social behavior of another species to complete life cycle.