Coevolution of host-parasites, Biology

Assignment Help:

Coevolutionary relationships between parasites and their hosts can be more complicated than between predators and their prey. As in the case of prey-predator relationship, one can expect hosts to evolve more effective defences against the parasite, and the parasite in turn can evolve to be more virulent. A balancing act has to be done here also as the parasite cannot afford to increase its own reproductive efficiency at the expense of the host. The death of the host would mean the death of the parasite before it could be transmitted to another living host. If the parasite has to be transferred from one host to another the parasite must evolve a lower degree of virulence so as not to kill the host. Successful host-parasite relationships are evolved on the dictum of "live and let live".

The well known Australian example illustrates the coevolution concept between rabbit hosts and myxorna virus parasite. European rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus were first introduced into the Australian continent in the middle of the 19th century. In less than ten years the population multiplied into enormous numbers occupying a wide variety of environments in Australia from subalpine to subtropical zones. Towards the middle of the 19th century there were several hundred million rabbits. The rabbits had attained the status of a serious pest population. In order to control very effectively the population size, a search of natural enemies for the rabbits was made. Such a search reiealed that myxoma virus could multiply as an epizoite on rabbits and that mosquitoes could be the natural vectors for the mechanical transfer of the parasite.


Related Discussions:- Coevolution of host-parasites

Difference between translation and transcription, Q. What is the difference...

Q. What is the difference between translation and transcription? Transcription is the name given to the formation of DNA molecules from an open DNA chain used as a template, Tr

What are the sources of dietary fibre in our diet, Q. What are the sources ...

Q. What are the sources of dietary fibre in our diet? The sources of dietary fibre include whole grain cereals, legumes, whole pulses, leafy vegetables, vegetables like peas,

Gastrulation, GAS T RUL A TIO N - Morphogenic movements are occure...

GAS T RUL A TIO N - Morphogenic movements are occured. 3 germinal layers are formed. Ectoderm, endoderm & mesoderm. Endoderm is formed first. Mesoderm is formed in the

Microbiology, advantages of spread plate method over pour plate method

advantages of spread plate method over pour plate method

To show that growing seeds take in oxygen, To show that growing seeds take ...

To show that growing seeds take in oxygen Cork up one end of a tube, having first placed inside some damp cotton wool and some mustard seeds. Immerse the open end in dilute ca

Hyperventilation and respiratory alkalosis, A 48-year-old male patient, who...

A 48-year-old male patient, who normally enjoys good health, has been admitted to the hospital for the treatment of polycythemia vera. The nurse who is providing care for the patie

Trinomial system, who proposed trinomial system of classification? in ALLEN...

who proposed trinomial system of classification? in ALLEN modules ans is Huxley & Stricklandt but in AAKASH its given Lamarck so what is correct?

What is the treatment for hiv, Anti-retroviral drugs are given to the patie...

Anti-retroviral drugs are given to the patient. They lesser the viral load and gives relief from infection, but it is not lasting it is temporary relief i.e. it cannot cure.

Phases of the cardiac cycle, The phases of the cardiac cycle are: 1)  At...

The phases of the cardiac cycle are: 1)  Atrial Systole This begins with the P-wave of the ECG. The atrio-ventricular valves are open and the ventricles are relaxed (diastole

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd