Gene flow and the coevolution of parasite range

描述（由申请人提供）：拟议的研究将开发新的 数学模型，将人口统计学和共同进化纳入 空间结构的宿主-寄生虫相互作用。因为这些新型号将 允许数学分析，它们代表了过去的重大进步 这项工作完全依赖于数值模拟。分析这些 模型将阐明基因流动和共同进化在塑造 寄生虫的地理分布和活动范围。此外该 结果将产生可测试的预测，基因的变化率如何， 流动改变寄生虫地理范围的平衡大小。这些 随着基因流动的自然模式 由于栖息地破碎化而受到破坏，可能导致 寄生虫和传染病的蔓延。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The proposed research will develop new mathematical models that incorporate both demography and coevolution into spatially structured host-parasite interactions. Because these new models will allow mathematical analysis, they represent a substantial advance over past work that has relied exclusively on numerical simulations. Analysis of these models will elucidate the role that gene flow and coevolution play in shaping the geographic distributions and range limits of parasites. In addition, the results will generate testable predictions for how changes in rates of gene flow alter the equilibrium sizes of parasite geographic ranges. These predictions become increasingly important as natural patterns of gene flow become disrupted through habitat fragmentation, potentially leading to range expansions of parasites and infectious diseases.