Niche construction consequences of parasite virulence in eco-evolutionary dynamics
(C05*)
Subject Area
Evolution, Anthropology
Ecology and Biodiversity of Animals and Ecosystems, Organismic Interactions
Term
since 2022
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 316099922
During infection, parasites construct their niches by altering their hosts’ physiology, morphology, and behaviour. By doing so, parasites can have far-reaching ecological and evolutionary effects. In this project, we will integrate computational models and experiments with three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) and their trophically transmitted tapeworm Schistocephalus solidus to investigate the widespread ecological and evolutionary effects of parasites from individuals to ecosystems. This work will push the research boundaries in host-parasite interactions by illustrating how parasite traits drive host niche individualisation and shape eco-evolutionary dynamics.
DFG Programme
CRC/Transregios
