Presentation Details
Be afraid, be very afraid: Parasitism and the ecology of fear

Lien Luong.

University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada

Abstract


The conceptual framework of the "ecology of fear" and non-consumptive effects (NCEs) focus on changes in an organism’s behaviour, morphology, or physiology due to the mere presence of predators. There is growing evidence of analogous NCEs arising from exposure to parasites (sans infection). Studies on the Drosophila nigrospiracula – Macrocheles subbadius study system revealed a suite of parasite-induced NCEs. We found that NCEs trade off with other life-history traits, resulting in reduced host survival and fecundity. Even fly larvae and pupae, which are not parasitized by mites, experience NCEs. Simulation models show that when fly larvae experience just NCEs it is sufficient to reduce fly population growth. Flies previously exposed to parasites exhibited lower feeding and mating success, even after the threat was removed. When flies are faced with either predatory and parasitic threats, the responses are diametrically opposed. As such, flies exposed to mites in the presence of a predator incur higher rates of infection, apparently prioritizing predation risk over parasite avoidance. Our findings suggest we have been underestimating the total cost of living in an infectious world.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
Content Locked. Log into a registered attendee account to access this presentation.