Niche construction consequences of parasite virulence in eco-evolutionary dynamics (C05*)

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

During infection, parasites construct their niches by altering their hosts’ physiology, morphology, and behaviour. By doing so, parasites can have far-reaching ecological and evolutionary effects. In this project, we will integrate computational models and experiments with three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) and their trophically transmitted tapeworm Schistocephalus solidus to investigate the widespread ecological and evolutionary effects of parasites from individuals to ecosystems. This work will push the research boundaries in host-parasite interactions by illustrating how parasite traits drive host niche individualisation and shape eco-evolutionary dynamics.