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

Define interaction of folate with vitamin c, Define Interaction of Folate w...

Define Interaction of Folate with Vitamin C? Vitamin C: Anaemia is observed in vitamin C deficient patients. Normochromic, normocytic or macrocytic or megaloblastic ana

What are the five kingdoms, Q. What are the five kingdoms into which living...

Q. What are the five kingdoms into which living beings are divided? And which group of living being is out of this classification? The five kingdoms of living beings are the ki

Endocrine glands - kidney, KIDNEY S - Origin . They develop from the ...

KIDNEY S - Origin . They develop from the mesoderm of the embryo. The kidneys secrete three hormones: renin, erythropoetin and calcitriol. (i) Renin . Whenever the rat

Developmental patterns - metazoa, Developmental Patterns - Metazoa The...

Developmental Patterns - Metazoa The metazoans or Animalia can be divided into two groups on the basis of body symmetry. The bilateral metazoans can be divided into two great

What is ascending aortic aneurysm, What is Ascending Aortic Aneurysm ? ...

What is Ascending Aortic Aneurysm ? Ascending Aortic Aneurysm :  In aneurysms confined to ascending aorta well below the innominate artery origin, the technique used is

What are plasmids, What are plasmids? What is the importance of plasmids fo...

What are plasmids? What is the importance of plasmids for the recombinant DNA technology? Plasmids are circular fragments of DNA that are accessories to the major bacterial DNA

Define the iodine test - carbohydrates, Define the Iodine Test - Carbohydra...

Define the Iodine Test - Carbohydrates? This test is given by polysaccharides and is not given by monosaccharides or disaccharides. Principle Iodine forms a coloured ad

Explain transfer from solid culture to liquid media, Explain Transfer from ...

Explain Transfer from Solid Culture to Liquid Media The steps involved in this technique are included herewith: 1. Sterilized inoculating loop or needle is touched carefully

Phylum protozoa, how conjugation takes place in paramecium

how conjugation takes place in paramecium

Preparation of cardiac surgery, Preparation on the Previous Day of Operatio...

Preparation on the Previous Day of Operation Remove all the jewellery, nail polish, cut nails.  The patient's body is cleaned - shaving from chin to toe, inclu

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