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The influence of habitat structure on the transmission of parasites

  • Chapter
Habitat Structure

Part of the book series: Population and Community Biology Series ((PCBS,volume 8))

Abstract

To a parasite, a host represents a patch of habitat that provides metabolic resources or a protected environment in which to remain dormant. Since these resources are finite, and the host itself ephemeral, transmission to a new host must occur if the parasite is to persist. Coincidence of the infective stages of a parasite and susceptible hosts is prerequisite for transmission. Therefore, the structure of the habitat external to the host (see discussion below), can affect the rate of transmission in at least two ways. It can directly or indirectly determine the distribution and abundance of infective stages of parasites, whether free-living or transported by intermediate hosts or vectors. Similarly, habitat structure influences the distribution and abundance of susceptible hosts, often enhancing the heterogeneity of host spatial distributions. The great diversity of host-finding mechanisms exhibited by parasites is quite likely the product of strong selection for the ability to locate patchily distributed hosts.

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Authors
  1. W. P. Sousa
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  2. E. D. Grosholz
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA

    Susan S. Bell , Earl D. McCoy  & Henry R. Mushinsky ,  & 

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Sousa, W.P., Grosholz, E.D. (1991). The influence of habitat structure on the transmission of parasites. In: Bell, S.S., McCoy, E.D., Mushinsky, H.R. (eds) Habitat Structure. Population and Community Biology Series, vol 8. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-3076-9_15

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-3076-9_15

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

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