Adaptive parasitic manipulation as exemplified by acanthocephalans |
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| Authors: | Theo C M Bakker Joachim G Frommen Timo Thünken |
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| Institution: | 1. Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany;2. Department of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Berne, Hinterkappelen, Switzerland |
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| Abstract: | Parasites with complex life cycles often change intermediate host traits in order to enhance their transmission to the next host. Acanthocephalans are excellent examples of such parasitic manipulation. Here, we summarise evidence for adaptive parasitic manipulation in this group, provide a comprehensive overview of intermediate host traits affected by these parasites and discuss critical items for parasitic manipulation such as avoidance of infected prey by target hosts and transmission to dead‐end hosts. |
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| Keywords: | costs of manipulation dead‐end host intermediate host net fitness benefit parasite transmission parasite‐induced trait changes |
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