David Ward
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- April 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199211470
- eISBN:
- 9780191728143
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199211470.003.0006
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
A number of excellent experimental studies have demonstrated the importance of predation in structuring desert ecosystems, and how predation and competition interact to structure desert communities. ...
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A number of excellent experimental studies have demonstrated the importance of predation in structuring desert ecosystems, and how predation and competition interact to structure desert communities. There are two ways that predation can be effective: by direct mortality and the predation risk experienced by the animal. Parasitism has been little studied in deserts, largely because many researchers have believed that the harsh environment has limited the ability of parasites to invade these habitats. Recent work suggests that this may be a misconception and that parasite-host interactions may be as important in deserts as they are elsewhere. This chapter considers some fascinating examples of parasitism, such as parasitoids controlling the body temperatures of their hosts in order to ensure the survival of their offspring, and host choice in fleas being controlled by the off-host environment. It also discusses tenebrionids that function as brood parasites.Less
A number of excellent experimental studies have demonstrated the importance of predation in structuring desert ecosystems, and how predation and competition interact to structure desert communities. There are two ways that predation can be effective: by direct mortality and the predation risk experienced by the animal. Parasitism has been little studied in deserts, largely because many researchers have believed that the harsh environment has limited the ability of parasites to invade these habitats. Recent work suggests that this may be a misconception and that parasite-host interactions may be as important in deserts as they are elsewhere. This chapter considers some fascinating examples of parasitism, such as parasitoids controlling the body temperatures of their hosts in order to ensure the survival of their offspring, and host choice in fleas being controlled by the off-host environment. It also discusses tenebrionids that function as brood parasites.
Martin Stevens
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- December 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199601776
- eISBN:
- 9780191774782
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199601776.003.0009
- Subject:
- Biology, Animal Biology
Interactions between species or groups of organisms, both cooperative and antagonistic, can be powerful generators of biological diversity. This chapter focuses on two key driving forces: arms races ...
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Interactions between species or groups of organisms, both cooperative and antagonistic, can be powerful generators of biological diversity. This chapter focuses on two key driving forces: arms races and coevolution. Predator–prey relationships provide clear examples of arms races, with predators having a range of general adaptations to capture prey, which have evolved varied defences. But there is little evidence for genuine coevolutionary responses in the sensory systems of the predators to better overcome prey defences. In contrast, coevolution seems widespread and diverse in brood and social parasites in birds and insects, and this has lead to extraordinary defences and counter adaptations in both parasite and host in a range of modalities.Less
Interactions between species or groups of organisms, both cooperative and antagonistic, can be powerful generators of biological diversity. This chapter focuses on two key driving forces: arms races and coevolution. Predator–prey relationships provide clear examples of arms races, with predators having a range of general adaptations to capture prey, which have evolved varied defences. But there is little evidence for genuine coevolutionary responses in the sensory systems of the predators to better overcome prey defences. In contrast, coevolution seems widespread and diverse in brood and social parasites in birds and insects, and this has lead to extraordinary defences and counter adaptations in both parasite and host in a range of modalities.
Dale F. Lott
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520233386
- eISBN:
- 9780520930742
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520233386.003.0011
- Subject:
- Biology, Natural History and Field Guides
As their eggs become ready to lay, female buffalo birds scout around for a place to lay them in already feathered nests containing newly laid eggs — always of another species, because buffalo birds ...
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As their eggs become ready to lay, female buffalo birds scout around for a place to lay them in already feathered nests containing newly laid eggs — always of another species, because buffalo birds don't make nests. The bird people call such birds brood parasites. Buffalo bird nestlings need to eat most of their weight every day. The logistics of depending on beater buffalo for food makes rearing a brood a chancy business. So traveling with the herd and being a brood parasite go together nicely. Somewhere else in all that DNA are instructions for finding bison and using them as beaters.Less
As their eggs become ready to lay, female buffalo birds scout around for a place to lay them in already feathered nests containing newly laid eggs — always of another species, because buffalo birds don't make nests. The bird people call such birds brood parasites. Buffalo bird nestlings need to eat most of their weight every day. The logistics of depending on beater buffalo for food makes rearing a brood a chancy business. So traveling with the herd and being a brood parasite go together nicely. Somewhere else in all that DNA are instructions for finding bison and using them as beaters.
