6533b7dcfe1ef96bd1272b08
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Genotypic and phenotypic variation in transmission traits of a complex life cycle parasite
Jukka JokelaJukka JokelaChristian RellstabAnssi KarvonenKatja-riikka Louhisubject
0106 biological sciencesHost conditionZoologyPhenotypic plasticityBiologyphenotypic plasticity010603 evolutionary biology01 natural scienceslaw.invention03 medical and health scienceslawGenotypeGenetic variationParasite hostingHost-parasite interactionbet hedgingEcology Evolution Behavior and SystematicsOriginal Research030304 developmental biologyNature and Landscape ConservationGenetics0303 health sciencesPhenotypic plasticityEcologyhost–parasite interactionisännän kuntoHost (biology)imumadotBet hedgingbiology.organism_classificationfenotyyppinen plastisuushost conditionhost-parasite interactionPhenotypeBet hedging; Host condition; Host-parasite interaction; Phenotypic plasticity; Trematodaisäntä-lois interaktiot'bet hedging' hypoteesiTransmission (mechanics)ta1181TrematodaTrematodadescription
Characterizing genetic variation in parasite transmission traits and its contribution to parasite vigor is essential for understanding the evolution of parasite life‐history traits. We measured genetic variation in output, activity, survival, and infection success of clonal transmission stages (cercaria larvae) of a complex life cycle parasite (Diplostomum pseudospathaceum). We further tested if variation in host nutritional stage had an effect on these traits by keeping hosts on limited or ad libitum diet. The traits we measured were highly variable among parasite genotypes indicating significant genetic variation in these life‐history traits. Traits were also phenotypically variable, for example, there was significant variation in the measured traits over time within each genotype. However, host nutritional stage had no effect on the parasite traits suggesting that a short‐term reduction in host resources was not limiting the cercarial output or performance. Overall, these results suggest significant interclonal and phenotypic variation in parasite transmission traits that are not affected by host nutritional status.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-01-01 |