Spatial scale and structure of complex life cycle trematode parasite communities in streams.

ABSTRACT: By considering the role of site-level factors and dispersal, metacommunity concepts have advanced our understanding of the processes that structure ecological communities. In dendritic systems, like streams and rivers, these processes may be impacted by network connectivity and unidirectional current. Streams and rivers are central to the dispersal of many pathogens, including parasites with complex, multi-host life cycles. Patterns in parasite distribution and diversity are often driven by host dispersal. We conducted two studies at different spatial scales (within and across stream networks) to investigate the importance of local and regional processes that structure trematode (parasitic flatworms) communities in streams. First, we examined trematode communities in first-intermediate hos

SUBMITTER: Zemmer SA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7685432 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature