Host-parasite interaction explains variation in the prevalence of avian haemosporidians at the community level.

ABSTRACT: Parasites are a selective force that shape host community structure and dynamics, but host communities can also influence parasitism. Understanding the dual nature from host-parasite interactions can be facilitated by quantifying the variation in parasite prevalence among host species and then comparing that variation to other ecological factors that are known to also shape host communities. Avian haemosporidian parasites (e.g. Plasmodium and Haemoproteus) are abundant and widespread representing an excellent model for the study of host-parasite interactions. Several geographic and environmental factors have been suggested to determine prevalence of avian haemosporidians in bird communities. However, it remains unknown whether host and parasite traits, represented by phylogenetic distances

SUBMITTER: Garcia-Longoria L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6402683 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature