PhD Oral Defense: Evolutionary ecology of host-parasite interactions in the Trinidadian guppy (Poecilia reticulata)
PhD Oral Defense of Felipe Perez Jvostov, Institute of Parasitology
Some of the most extraordinary examples of adaptive evolution are the result of the interactions between hosts and their parasites. Although this so-called arms race between host defense and parasite virulence can have direct implications for host fecundity and survival, current research shows that parasitic infections can also change host behavioral and physiological traits. Hosts face multiple threats at any give time. Other natural enemies like predators and competitors can also reduce host survival. Thus, host-parasite adaptations may not only influence non-host species, but may, at the same, be influenced by their interaction with other natural enemies. The role of parasites modulating multi-species interactions has received increased attention in recent years, yet the majority of examples come from single case studies. The aim of this dissertation is to fill this gap by using a model organism in evolutionary biology: the Trinidadian guppy.
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