Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
3423893 | Trends in Parasitology | 2009 | 5 Pages |
Abstract
Although parasitic infection is usually detrimental, it can be beneficial to the host in some situations. Parasites could help their host by providing a new function or modifying one of the host's life-history traits. We argue that the evolution towards a lasting mutualistic relationship would be more likely when parasites endow hosts with new abilities rather than alter a trait because hosts are less likely to evolve a new capability on their own than adjust their life history by microevolutionary steps. Furthermore, we underline how evolved dependence – the host's loss of ability to live alone owing to a long history of evolution in the presence of its parasites – has shaped contemporary mutualistic relationships.
Related Topics
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Immunology and Microbiology
Parasitology
Authors
Simon Fellous, Lucie Salvaudon,