What are the evolutionary constraints on larval growth in a trophically transmitted parasite?

Oecologia
D P Benesh

Abstract

For organisms with a complex life cycle, a large larval size is generally beneficial, but it may come at the expense of prolonged development. Individuals that grow fast may avoid this tradeoff and switch habitats at both a larger size and younger age. A fast growth rate itself can be costly, however, as it requires greater resource intake. For parasites, fast larval growth is assumed to increase the likelihood of host death before transmission to the next host occurs. Using the tapeworm Schistocephalus solidus in its copepod first intermediate host, I investigated potential constraints in the parasite's larval life history. Fast-growing parasites developed infectivity earlier, indicating there is no functional tradeoff between size and developmental time. There was significant growth variation among full-sib worm families, but fast-growing sibships were not characterized by lower host survival or more predation-risky host behavior. Parental investment also had little effect on larval growth rates. The commonly assumed constraints on larval growth and development were not observed in this system, so it remains unclear what prevents worms from exploiting their intermediate hosts more aggressively.

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Citations

Feb 25, 2014·Experimental Parasitology·Friederike WeinreichDaniel P Benesh
Feb 5, 2016·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·Nina Hafer, Manfred Milinski
Oct 27, 2009·International Journal for Parasitology·Daniel P Benesh
Jul 19, 2013·Journal of Evolutionary Biology·D P Benesh
Mar 13, 2014·Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution·Daniel P BeneshManfred Milinski
Mar 17, 2019·Parasitology Research·Jerusha BennettHaseeb Randhawa
Apr 10, 2019·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·Nina Hafer-Hahmann

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