Complexity Digest 2003.41 - 09

13-Oct-2003

Just in: Complexity Digest Virtual Conference Network:EVOLVABILITY & INTERACTION: Evolutionary Substrates of Communication, Signaling, and Perception in the Dynamics of Social Complexity, London, UK, 03/10/08-10,
http://www.comdig2.de/Conf/EI2003/

Evolution Of Complex Life Cycles In Helminth Parasites Bookmark and Share

The fundamental question of how complex life cycles-where there is typically more than one host-evolve in host-parasite systems remains largely unexplored. We suggest that complex cycles in helminths without penetrative infective stages evolve by two essentially different processes, (...) . In 'upward incorporation', a new definitive host, typically higher up a food web and which preys on the original definitive host, is added. Advantages to the parasite are avoidance of mortality due to the predator, greater body size at maturity and higher fecundity.